Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
Domestic violence statistics in South Africa are alarming. As such, shelters were introduced decades ago to address the scourge of domestic violence. These shelters provide different intervention programmes, designed to assist the women. This exploratory descriptive study was conducted in two shelters with the purpose of exploring the women’s perceptions of the effectiveness of intervention programmes offered. The objectives of this study were to examine the different components of the intervention programmes offered in two shelters, to determine women’s perceptions and experiences of the intervention programmes and whether the programmes facilitated the capacity of women for independent living, and finally, to make recommendations on how to improve the services to abused women.
The study utilised available information on intervention programmes, often referred to as treatment programmes, especially in international literature. The study utilised an empowerment and feminist lens to understand the issue under investigation. The researcher interviewed a total of 10 women using semi-structured interviews and the data was analysed using content analysis.
The study found that all women participated in the intervention programmes offered at shelters. Despite their participation, they had little or no understanding of how they could use the intervention programmes to fully utilise their stay at the shelter. The study found an inconsistency in the information given to women on intervention programmes available. Women indicated a lack of knowledge of what constituted an intervention programme and they lacked an understanding of the difference between and/or the importance of group work and counselling, often referring to both as counselling. Recommendations made in this study include the relaxation of the rules by the shelter, an introduction of business skills to the intervention programmes offered, as well as more individually-tailored intervention programmes.