An investigation into the coping mechanisms of survivors of domestic violence

• Main Author: Gumede, Sinqobile Angelica
• Other Authors: Thwala, J.D.
• Format: Others
• Published: University of Zululand 2016
• Subjects: domestic violence > survivors
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1429

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014 === Domestic violence is a global issue, and it is affecting many people of different cultures and backgrounds around the world. South Africa is one of the countries which are highly affected by various forms of violence. Different people are using different coping mechanism in dealing with violence in general. This study investigates the coping mechanisms of survivors of domestic violence. It looks at the various coping mechanisms that each survivor employs to deal with such experience. This study employed qualitative research design and the target population were women. A sample of ten participants was recruited from the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court, and they all participated voluntarily. Only participants who had been involved in domestic violence for at least six months were asked to participate in the study, and those women who had taken the step of going to court and reporting the matter, or laying charges. The process of getting participants was a challenge and many survivors were reluctant to participant in the study. To collect data, semi structured interviews were used and during the interview a tape recorder was used and content analysis was used to analyses the data. The findings of this research indicated the following: survivors of domestic violence view it as physical abuse. It seems most survivors have experienced this type of abuse. Others indicated that it is verbal and emotional abuse and extramarital affairs that affect them. To them they are other forms of domestic violence, and they have experienced them in their relationships. The lack of communication, sexual needs and controlling behaviour were also indicated to have been experienced by survivors of domestic violence in this study. As regards the second and third questions, which focused on coping mechanisms, survivors of domestic violence indicated to have used problem focused strategies as a way of coping. They break the silence by reporting the matter to court, and claiming a protection order. Some participants are religious, and they pray to God. Some women, though, seemed to use negative coping strategies, such as conditioning themselves, tolerating the violence and keeping silent. In conclusion, it seems like there is still a great deal to be done in terms of educating the society and empowering victims of domestic violence. It is then recommended that the methodology to be changed by researchers on the same topic and there is also a need to educate community and empowerment to the survivors of domestic violence. The media can also play a role in broadening the awareness of domestic violence.