Abstract
M.Phil.
Based on Interpol figures, South Africa has extraordinary high levels of violent crime
(Masuku, 2001). The effects of crime are both multifaceted and extensive, especially for
victims who are elderly. This study aims to explore and describe the experiences of elderly
Johannesburg residents exposed to crime. The goal of the study is to establish guidelines
and recommendations and to assist these individuals in coping effectively with their
traumatic experiences in order to facilitate their mental health.
The researcher has made use of a qualitative, phenomenological research design. All
participants were residents of northern Johannesburg retirement villages and had been
exposed to crimes such as hijacking, robbery, assault and fraud. Data was gathered
through one-on-one in-depth interviews and analysed according to Tesch's method of
open coding. Guba's model of trustworthiness was utilised, in conjunction with an
independent coder, to establish validity and reliability of the data. This research has revealed that elderly citizens who had been exposed to crime
experienced "scar(s)" in the form of psychological, physical, societal and spiritual scars.
Survivors additionally experienced a loss regarding their personal property, selfdetermination,
independence and self-esteem. Elderly victims coped with the experience
via internal and external resources, assisted by certain personality characteristics and
attitudes. Elderly survivors subsequently recognised the importance of regaining their
sense of security, which resulted in hyper-vigilance and fear ensuing "super cautious"
behaviours.
These results lead to the formulation of guidelines and recommendations, which are
hoped, will be integrated into future research models to guide families, support systems
and therapists in assisting elderly victims towards successful trauma recovery and integrity
in old age.