Abstract
M.A.
Domestic abuse is a global and growing problem (World Health
Organization WHO, 2002). The extent and magnitude, as well as effects
of domestic abuse are, however, underreported especially within South
Africa (Prinsloo, 2007). Awareness has been raised by initiatives such as
Sixteen Days of Activism on Violence Against Women campaigns driven
by POWA (People Opposed to Women Abuse), yet the rates of abuse
stay alarming. In light of the occurrence of abuse as well as the limited
resources available, some women kill an intimate partner after a
prolonged period of abuse.
The specific aim of the study was to uncover the psychological factors
that contribute or are associated with the killing of an abusive partner by
women. This was done by using multiple case studies and unstructured
interviews. Participants were sourced from the Department of
Correctional Service in the Western Cape Province. The participants
utilised for the research included three women who killed their abusive
intimate partner, and who were incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional
Facility at the time of the interview. In-depth interviews were conducted
and the data was analysed in order to derive themes. Once the themes
were established, results were compared to relevant research in the field
as a means to establish the psychological factors associated with
women who kill an abusive intimate male partner.
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The results indicated that certain primary psychological factors present
in the sample group of interviewed women namely: development of Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, experiences of coercive control, interrelational
conflict and substance abuse. Secondary themes or factors
found included cultural perceptions and a lack of resources.
From the results obtained, a conclusion was made that women who kill
an abusive intimate male partner, are often compelled to do so due to
underlying factors and as a means of survival. Furthermore, culture
appears to have a prominent influence as it informs the manner and
acceptable means to deal with domestic abuse.
Although the research contributes to the pool of knowledge regarding
women who kill an abusive intimate male partner in South Africa, more is
needed especially in the development of intervention programs and
support.