Abstract
Domestic violence is an enduring social problem in South Africa and calls for a
competent response to reduce the high rates of its occurrence (Kruger 2006). The
South African government has taken legal action to deal with this issue through the
implementation of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. However, this legal reform
alone is insufficient to reduce domestic violence, which is still prevalent. There have
been other strategies and programmes developed as social interventions to
domestic violence. In recent years, some quarters have called for intervention with
perpetrators of domestic violence. There is much contention with regard to the
efficacy of working with perpetrators, thus this study aims to contribute to this debate
by examining the effectiveness of the Perpetrator for Intimate Partner Violence
(PIPV) programme. This programme evaluated was profeminist oriented and
presented by NICRO as a condition to a Non-Custodial Sentence. Hence, the
programme was coupled with suspended sentences for intimate partner violence
perpetrators to rehabilitate offenders. The goal of the study was to evaluate the
effectiveness of the PIPV programme in promoting positive gender relations and
preventing further domestic violence. A sample of eight respondents, including four
perpetrators and four victims of intimate partner violence, were interviewed. The pilot
study couple was also included in the final analysis. The study was qualitative and
evaluative in nature. The results of the study revealed that physical violence did stop
after programme completion but other forms of domestic violence were only reduced.
There was also a significant increase in accountability and responsibility from
offenders, which helped in effecting behavioural changes. The research also gave an
insight into the importance of empowering perpetrators with non-violent conflict
resolution skills, as these played a significant role in the cessation of domestic
violence perpetration. However, it is apparent from the study that successful
perpetrator programmes have to be coupled with legal reforms, such as the
Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Finally,
results from this study indicated that positive gender relations are the key to reducing
domestic violence.
M.A. (Social Work)