Views and experiences of women in Soshanguve, Pretoria regarding vulnerability to, and triggers for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

The scourge of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in South Africa seems to continue unabated, despite various interventions by Government and civil society. The purpose of this paper is to report on the views of women regarding vulnerability to IPV, as well as the triggers for IPV. Data were collected using focus group discussions from 63 women who live in Soshanguve, a township in Pretoria. The sample consisted of mostly single women whose ages ranged from 21 years to 69 years, with a mean of 38.5. The majority (59%) had attained tertiary level education, and 51% were unemployed. The findings regarding vulnerability are that IPV cuts across age groups, as well as marital and socioeconomic status. Triggers to IPV incidents include alcohol use by the perpetrator, as well as unresolved anger. Warning signs for IPV include verbal threats and signs of control.