Abstract
Domestic violence is rife globally and locally, and most adolescents are exposed to it. DV is known to harm victims, including secondary victims who are adolescents. Despite this, there are very few studies which focus on the adolescent exposure experiences and their perceptions, particularly of the boy child and in the SA context. Therefore, this study aimed to explore adolescent boys’ experiences and perceptions of domestic violence exposure, with the objectives of: 1). assessing their lived experiences of exposure to domestic violence and 2). gaining an in-depth understanding of how they perceive and make sense of these experiences. While much of the existing literature on domestic violence focuses on women and girls, limited attention has been given to adolescent boys, who often experience significant emotional and behavioural consequences as witnesses to family violence.
Guided by ecological system theory, this study adopted a qualitative research design and utilised semi-structured interviews with ten (10) adolescent boys. Data was analysed thematically to capture shared meanings and individual experiences in their accounts.
Findings revealed that participants were exposed to both physical and emotional violence, often perpetrated by fathers against mothers. The effects of the exposure included mental health and behavioural challenges among the participants. Despite these challenges, many demonstrated resilience, rejecting violence as an acceptable behaviour and viewing their experiences as lessons for future relationships. Informal support from family, peers and neighbours provided emotional relief, while formal interventions such as counselling and boys’ educational programmes promoted emotional regulation and awareness. Participants emphasised the need for improved reporting systems and follow-up support. Some of the recommendations include expanding community outreach, providing faith-based support and funding, and replicating effective community programmes.
The study concludes that the social environments of adolescent boys profoundly shape their complex experiences of domestic violence. Addressing challenges requires multi-level, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed interventions within families, schools, and communities to foster resilience and prevent intergenerational transmission of violence.