Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Incest victims – South Africa – Limpopo'

Thesis (M. A. (Clinical Psychology)) --University of the North, 2001
This study is an investigation into the sexual attitudes of incest abuse perpetrators in the Northern Province and attitudes towards their victims (South Africa). Forty-two convicted male incest abuse perpetrators and forty-two professional males nonperpetrators (as control group) participated in the study. The Hanson Sex Attitude Questionnaire was administered to both incest abuse perpetrators and professional males ' nonperpetrator (as control group) to compar':' their attitudes. The questionnaire includes: Sexual Entitle ment scale, Sexy-Children scale, Frustration scale, Affair scale, Sex/ Affection-Confusion scale. and Sexual-Harm scale. A quantitative research approach was followed in the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the responses. Compared to the control group, the incest abuse perpetrators showed deviant negative attitudes in all the scales : (a) endorsing attitudes supportive to sexua l en title ment, (b) perceiving children to be sexually attractive, (c) being sexually frustrated in their life, (d) confusing sex with affection, (e) minimizing the harm caused by sexual abuse of childre n, and (t) accepting extra-marital affairs. Thus the attitudes of incest abuse perpetrators are significantly unfavorable to the victims. The researcher recommends psychological intervention for the perpetrators to help them adjust to their societal expectations. More job opportunities should be created in the province.

Thesis (LLM)--Stellenbosch University, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to determine standards or criteria to be used when deciding on the optimal use of the criminal sanction and to evaluate the efficacy of such criteria by applying them to an existing crime, namely incest. Since criminal punishment necessarily impacts negatively on the human rights of those subject to it, it is submitted that it should only be used as a last resort where it is absolutely necessary to do so. Relevant constitutional provisions and other legal sources are examined and used as the basis for expounding a test for determining the circumstances under which it is appropriate to criminalise. It is argued that the decision to utilise the criminal sanction may be tested against certain guidelines: the state bears the burden of showing, firstly, that the rationale of the crime in question is theoretically justifiable in that criminalisation serves a worthy state purpose; and secondly, that criminalisation is reasonable, being both practically desirable and effective in achieving legitimate state goals in the least restrictive manner possible. In the second part of the thesis, the proposed criteria are applied to the common law crime of incest. An initial discussion of the crime indicates that a wide range of conduct is punishable as incest, including both extremely harmful conduct, such as the rape of a child by her father, and completely innocuous behaviour, for instance private sexual intercourse between consenting adults who are merely related by marriage. Next, an attempt is made to ascertain the true rationale for criminalising incest and then to establish whether such rationale is justifiable. The conclusion is reached that despite there being good grounds for punishing certain manifestations of incest, the only reason for imposing criminal punishment that is valid in all instances, is the unconvincing contention that the state is justified in prohibiting incest merely because incest is regarded as morally abhorrent. And even assuming that targeting and preventing undesirable forms of harmful or offensive conduct is a justifiable purpose of the incest prohibition, it is nevertheless submitted that criminalising incest is unreasonable, since the crime as it is presently formulated is both over- and under-inclusive for the effective realisation of any praiseworthy aims. After testing incest against the criteria developed, the recommendation is made that incest be decriminalised. It is contended that there are sufficient alternative criminal prohibitions available that would adequately punish harmful incestuous conduct without simultaneously unreasonably limiting the rights of consenting adults to choose their sexual (or marriage) partner without state interference. Decriminalisation would not only prevent potential violations of human rights, but the legitimacy of the criminal justice system as a whole would be considerably enhanced if it were apparent that the criminal sanction was reserved for conduct truly deserving of punishment.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oogmerk van hierdie studie is om standaarde of riglyne daar te stel ter aanwending waar besluit word oor die optimale benutting van die strafsanksie, asook om die doeltreffendheid van sulke riglyne vas te stel deur die toepassing daarvan op 'n bestaande misdaad, naamlik bloedskande. Aangesien straf altyd 'n nadelige uitwerking op die menseregte van dié wat daaraan onderhewig is, het, word aan die hand gedoen dat dit slegs as 'n laaste uitweg aangewend moet word indien absoluut noodsaaklik. Ondersoek word ingestel na toepaslike grondwetlike bepalings en ander regsbronne, wat gebruik word as grondslag vir 'n toets ten einde te bepaalonder welke omstandighede kriminalisasie gepas is. Daar word aan die hand gedoen dat die besluit om gebruik te maak van 'n strafsanksie teen sekere riglyne getoets kan word. Die staat dra die bewyslas om aan te toon, eerstens, dat die bestaansrede vir die betrokke misdaad teoreties regverdigbaar is aangesien krimininalisasie 'n waardige staatsdoel dien; en tweedens, dat kriminalisasie redelik is, aangesien dit prakties wenslik is, asook die staat se legitieme doelwitte dien op effektiewe wyse op die mees onbeperkende wyse moontlik. In die tweede gedeelte van die verhandeling word die voorgestelde riglyne op die gemeenregtelike misdaad bloedskande toegepas. 'n Aanvanklike bespreking van die misdaad dui daarop dat die trefwydte van bloedskande sodanig is dat dit gedrag insluit wat uiters benadelend is, soos byvoorbeeld die verkragting van 'n kind deur haar vader, maar ook heeltemal onskadelike optrede soos byvoorbeeld geslagsverkeer tussen toestemmende volwassenes wat bloot aanverwante is. Die volgende stap is om die ware bestaansrede vir die verbod op bloedskande vas te stel en daarna te oorweeg of sodanige bestaansrede regverdigbaar is. Die gevolgtrekking is dat alhoewel daar goeie gronde vir die bestrawwing van sekere verskyningsvorme van bloedskande is, die enigste altyd-geldende rede vir strafoplegging in hierdie verband die onoortuigende bewering dat bloedskande moreelonverdraaglik beskou word, is. Selfs al word daar aanvaar dat die identifikasie en voorkoming van onwenslike verskyningsvorme van skadelike of aanstootlike gedrag 'n regverdigbare doel vir die bloedskandeverbod is, voer die skrywer nie te min aan dat die kriminalisasie van bloedskande onredelik is omrede die huidige misdaadomskrywing tegelykertyd beide oor- en onder- inklusief is om einge moontlike goeie doelwitte effektief te bereik. Nadat bloedskande getoets word teen die riglyne wat ontwikkel is, word aanbeveel dat bloedskande gedekriminaliseer word. Daar word aan die hand gedoen dat daar genoegsame alternatiewe strafbepalings is wat aangewend kan word om skadelike gedrag wat onder die misdaad bloedskande resorteer te bestraf sonder dat die regte van toestemmende volwassenes om sonder staatsinmenging hul seksuele- (of huweliks-) maat te kies onredelik ingeperk word. Dekriminalisasie sal nie slegs moontlike menseregteskendings voorkom nie, maar ook die legitimiteit van die strafregstelsel as geheel bevorder deurdat dit duidelik blyk dat die strafsankie reserveer word vir optrede wat werklik straf verdien.

Thesis (Ph. D. (Criminology)) --University of Limpopo, 2018
Schools mirror the culture of violence that is endemic in our society. They have therefore become the focus of research on violence. However, much of our knowledge on violence that occurs in schools is on learners as victims of educator-on- learner and learner-on-learner violence; and as perpetrators of learner-on-learner because a great amount of research focuses only on these types of violence. Very little research has been done on teachers as victims of violence, and of learnerperpetrated violence, in particular. The little knowledge that is available indicates that objectionable behaviour, such as ill-discipline, class disruptions, and aggression and violent behaviour are aspects of interpersonal relationships that may cause teachers stress, burnout, job dissatisfaction, ill health, and lead to them quitting the teaching profession. This study investigated learner-perpetrated violence as a school and workplace violence. The results of this study, which are the outcomes of independently conducted qualitative and quantitative studies, confirm the parallel existence of learner-perpetrated violence and teacher stress and related ill health, behavioural reaction and organisational effects. The implications of these results are that the current legislation, the South African Schools Act, and regulations and policies associated with it, is inadequate in preventing the victimisation of teachers by learners, in their workplaces. Hence, this study recommends a model that can be implemented to prevent violence against teachers at a primary, secondary, and tertiary level. Learner violence is an occupational health and safety risk for teachers and needs to be handled in the same was as any other occupational health and safety hazard; hence the desire by teachers to be covered against violence at work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is recommended that future research should focus on the incorporation of violence into the existing list of occupational hazard. This will force employers to take every step possible to prevent the victimisation of teachers in their workplaces. The reduction of incidents of violence against teachers has the potential of slowing teacher attrition down.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of forensic nurses when providing care to victims of sexual assault in selected public hospitals of Limpopo province. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was employed in this study. A sample of 7 registered nurses was purposively selected to partake in in-depth unstructured interviews. Results: Four themes associated with the experience of providing care to victims of sexual assaults emerged during data analysis. These included (1) psychological experiences of nursing victims of sexual assault, (2) physical challenges associated with implementing the forensic nursing specialty in a clinical setting, (3) psychological coping strategies to deal with challenges experienced, and (4) the experience of managerial support. Conclusion: Participants reported negative psychological and physical experiences of providing care to victims of sexual assault, which resulted to occupational stress. Recommendations of forensic nurses support guidelines and further research were made.
Health Studies
M.A. (Health Studies)

M.A.
Restorative justice is a new way of thinking about crime. Restorative justice ensures that the needs of the victims are not forgotten and it sets about repairing the harm caused to victims. In restorative justice, victims of crime are placed in the centre of the criminal court. It was of great importance to find out how the victims of crime perceive restorative justice. Eight victims of crime committed by juvenile offenders in Malamulele were selected to participate in the study. An exploratory study was conducted to gain insight into the feelings of the victims of crime towards restorative justice. To find out what meaning victims of crime attach to restorative justice, qualitative research methodology was utilized. Information was collected through a semi-structured interview to obtain a detailed picture of the victims’ perceptions on restorative justice by using an interview schedule. Non-probability purpose sampling was used to select the easily available victims of crime. It was discovered that the respondents perceived restorative justice as a relevant way and tool of settling the dispute face to face through reconciliation, peace and forgiveness. Recommendations are based on the findings to implement a restorative justice programme and to involve the victims of crime in the justice system. Recommendations for further research are presented.
Ms. H. Ellis

Increasing incidents of mob justice have left a trail of murders that remain unsolved in the rural areas of South Africa. As such, little attention has been given to the experiences of victims and perpetrators involved in mob justice related incidents in these areas in particular. The purpose of this study was to examine narrative accounts of the experiences of victims and perpetrators engaged in mob justice associated incidents in the Diphale village, Limpopo. Twenty participants, consisting of 14 perpetrators and 06 victims, were chosen through sampling techniques, like, convenience and snowball sampling. A qualitative approach was adopted using semi-structured interviews as the key research instrument. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with 09 perpetrators, and two focus groups involving 06 victims and 05 perpetrators. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to interpret data collected from the participants. The findings indicated that unsolved crime leads to persistent mob justice activities in the Diphale village. The findings in the study were further bolstered through the provision of recommendations aimed at preventing future mob justice activities. The recommendations highlight proper service delivery, including community development, and the reduction of corruption and bribery.
Criminology and Security Science
M.A. (Criminology)

MA (Youth in Development)
Institute for Gender and Youth Studies
High school crime has become a major problem all over the world including South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the nature, causes and effects of youth crime amongst learners in high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools known for high crime rate were purposefully selected. A mixed method approach was adopted. Focus groups were conducted among the Life Orientation teachers in the selected schools to collect qualitative data, and questionnaires were administered to learners to collect quantitative data. Purposive sampling was used to sample Life Orientation teachers for the focus groups. Stratified random sampling was used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools (240 learners). Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics methods. Consequently, the results from the two methods were compared and triangulated. Ethical precautionary measures were taken to avoid harm to the research participants. The study found that a variety of family, economic and environmental factors contribute to crime in schools. Findings of this study assist the teachers, learners, parents and the Department of Education authorities in the Vhembe District to gain a better understanding of the nature, causes and effects of crime among high school learners. Only a multi-pronged strategy can be effective in overcoming crime which is plaguing many high schools in South Africa.
NRF

PhD (Gender Studies)
Institute for Gender and Youth Studies
Suicidal behavior has become a serious public health concern worldwide. Globally, the rate of suicide increased by 60% in the past years. In South Africa, about 9.5 % of nonnatural deaths in young people is due to suicidal behavior, and there are 667 deaths due to suicide every month (Birmingham & Solihull, 2012). Suicide has left a trail of psychological problems which impact negatively on the health and well-being of people. Worldwide, there is a gender difference in suicidal behaviour. Women have higher rates of suicide attempt while men are more likely to commit suicide (Cheong, Choi, Cho, Yoon, Kim & Hwang, 2012). Most studies focus on suicide while suicide attempt has been neglected in scholarship. As a result, there is very little attention to how gender influences suicidal behavior in society. This exploratory study sought to explore the phenomenon of suicide attempt among young female suicide survivors at Tshilidzini Regional Hospital in Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study approach was qualitative in nature and the study population comprised of all young female suicide survivors and all family members who often accompanied patients to the hospital. Nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The study sample consisted of 20 participants (10 young female suicide survivors and 10 family members). Ethical considerations were taken into account to protect the participants. In-depth face-to-face unstructured interviews and focus group discussion were used as a method of data collection. Content analysis was used for analysing data in this study. The study found that suicidal behaviour by young females was mainly due to intimate relationship problems. The study recommended the development and use an effective suicide screening tool and a multi-pronged strategy to curb incidences of suicidal behaviour by young females.
NRF

PhD (Sociology)
Department of Sociology
The purpose of the study was to explore and understand the circumstances, which influence abused female breadwinners to stay in nuptial contracts and to model coping strategies for their plight. The study was qualitative in nature and an explorative case study design of abused married female breadwinners who had reported cases at Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme (TVEP) trauma centers in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa was used. A critical case purposive sample was used to draw a cross-sectional sample of 12 participants from a total population of 1800 female breadwinners who reported cases between 2010 and 2015. The data collection methods were; in-depth interviews, focus group discussions from the same participants and key informants‟ interviews from three TVEP female managers. The three data collection techniques ensured triangulation for more complete and well-validated outcomes of the study. The data analysis method was the Van Mann. The study found out that a plethora of circumstances that involves the following; culture, the desire to take care of children, culture, religion, social needs, social status and entrapment influences abused married female breadwinners to stay in abusive marriages. As a result, they are forced to devise some coping strategies that include; problem solving strategies, reporting to the police, protection orders, seeking refuge, alcohol abuse and dependence, counselling, religious intervention, social support to cope with their plight. Establishing the reasons was critical in coming up with intervention methods that may help to curb abuse and coping strategies that may assist them in their plight.
NRF

MPH
Department of Public Health
Over the past years, suicide and suicidal ideation are being increasingly recognised as important issues for public health policy, especially, among police officers. Suicidal ideation is one of the tragic issues among police officers, causing serious emotional, spiritual, medical, social and psychological distress for the individual, their families and friends, however, not much is known about it in the Vhembe District. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors contributing to suicidal ideation among police officers in Vhembe District. The study was conducted in the Thohoyandou cluster, which is situated in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A study had a qualitative phenomenological research design. The data saturation were reached at the number of 12 police officers, the target population were selected by means of convenience sampling and data was collected through a semi-structured interview. The data collected was analysed using the thematic analytical approach and conclusion were made based on the findings of the study. The study findings show the following as the factors contributing to suicidal ideation among the police officers - domestic violence, financial problems, divorce, extramarital affairs, lack of social support, health problems, contradicting the law and organisational factors that include organisational structure and working with guns. The study recommended that the South African Police Services should continue to provide support and counselling to police officers after they have attended to traumatic cases and that police officers need to be more open about their problems and avoid attempting to deal with them by themselves.
NRF

MGS
Institute for Gender and Youth Studies
 Domestic violence is a social problem experienced by people in various settings and social relationships. Factors such as cultural beliefs, patriarchal practices, economic background, socialization process, gender stereotypes are key drivers of domestic violence in our communities. Internationally, the problem is said to be a social ill that contributes to many social problems. Domestic violence takes place across all walks of life regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or gender. It takes place in urban areas and in rural areas all over the world. Domestic violence happens to people who are legally or traditionally married and amongst intimate partners. This study therefore explores the contributory factors leading to domestic violence. The study made use of qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling procedure was used to identify participants who were more willing to take part in the study. The study used Semi structured interviews to collect data. Thus, discourse analysis was used in the study to analyse data. The study was conducted at Mangaya village in Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study findings revealed that unemployment is a challenge and contributory factor leading to domestic violence, most of women had suffered domestic violence for a long period of time, children are directly affected by domestic violence within families, most women sacrifice themselves in order to save their marriages and protect their children. The findings of the study indicate that there are various aspects that contribute to the problem of domestic violence. The study recommends that community and police should actively work together in helping the victims of domestic violence to overcome their irrational thinking that is combed by remaining in abusive situations.
NRF

Thesis (M.A. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020
Campus safety is an important part of a student’s overall university experience. However, safety and security are an issue that institutions of higher learning have to deal with and address within their campuses. The focus of this study was to explore students’ safety at the Universities of Limpopo (UL) and Venda (UNIVEN). This study adopted an exploratory triangulation approach. A triangulation design was implemented to allow the researcher the opportunity to collect qualitative and quantitative data and thereafter, integrate the results in the interpretation stage. For triangulation purposes, data was collected using interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. For the qualitative phase of the research (phase I), twenty face to face interviews were conducted and for the quantitative phase (phase II), eight hundred and nineteen respondents responded to the questionnaire. This study employed Routine Activities Theory (RAT) to discuss the findings. Some of the findings were that the majority of female students who reside off-campus were fearful of being victimised. More female students than males were more concerned of sexual harassment and rape. These criminal incidents were statistically significant. The study further reveals that a lack of sufficient lighting, alcohol and illicit drugs, campus camera surveillance, crime reporting, and the visibility of emergency phones are some of the contributing factors associated with students victimisations. There are no visible police patrolling around the campuses of UL and UNIVEN. The majority of the students do not report their victimisation to the police or campus authorities. Furthermore, this study reveals that there is no relationship between gender and the perception of safety. However, age and level of study have a relationship to the perception of safety and were statistically significant. Based on these findings, crime awareness campaigns, visibility of police patrolling around the campus, and the police should work closely with the University authority.

MGS
Institute for Gender and Youth Studies
Most people view bullying as a childhood challenge which children outgrow with age. However, bullies grow up and even go to universities where they continue with their bullying tactics; harassing their fellow students. The development of technology has allowed bullying to be taken to adulthood through cyber-bullying. Technology has become a big part of young people’s lives and it plays an increasingly important role in their day-to-day activities. However, it has also become a platform for young people to intimidate and harass each other. Cyber-bullying has become a huge problem for university students, which can cause long term effects to victims. It involves sending hurtful, threatening or embarrassing messages to one another. Cyber-bullying causes problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, poor school attendance and performance for the victims of such an act. Both males and females take part in cyber-bullying. Avenues for cyber-bullying by students include emails, blogs, text messages, and social network sites such as Facebook, My Space, Whatsapp, Instagram and twitter among others. The main aim of this study was to probe cyber-bullying experiences of both male and female first year students at the University of Venda. Qualitative research approach was used. Snowball sampling, a subtype of non-probability sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collecting tool. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation and informed consent were among the ethical considerations that were followed. The study found that cyber-bullying is prevalent at the University of Venda and it socially, academically, psychologically and physically affects students. More female students were found to be victims of cyber-bullying when compared to male students. In view of the magnitude of cyber-bullying among university students; there is a need for urgent action by the University of Venda management to come up with
NRF

M.A.
This study is an attempt to investigate the way in which female survivors of childhood sexual abuse made sense of their experiences. Three participants were interviewed and the relevant themes that emerged from those interviews were coded and reported. The study was conducted from a qualitative perspective that was grounded in social construction methodology. The survivors' individual constructions of meaning at the time of their sexual abuse, their introduction to the social constructions of meaning about child sexual abuse and the double bind between these constructions are reported. The survivors' narratives are representations of the positive way they constructed meaning about their experiences as a way of coping. Their stories are also reflections of the confusion they experienced when introduced to the social constructions of child sexual abuse that differed from the meaning they attributed to their experiences. The study is a representation of the double bind that the difference between the individual and social constructions of their child sexual abuse created for them.

This study is a cultural investigation into rape, with specific focus on the role of African men. With more than 70 000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported in a year in South Africa, and estimations that this may reflect one ninth of the actual number only, South Africa has been labelled the “rape capital” of the world. The study seeks to explain the root causes of rape, its ontological make-up and possibilities for resolving the issue by identifying cultural aspects, factors and manifestations that either justify or sanction rape. Four concepts, namely, rape, masculinity, culture and rage, serve as the thematic lens for identifying and interrogating cultural conditions through multidisciplinary and Africancentred perspectives. The analyses contained in the study are based on a mapping process involving comparing the data from a wide range of literature and also focus group interviews. Highlighting the multi-layered complexities of rape as phenomena, the study then outlines recommendations for transformative work in research, cultural institutions, communities, families and men
Educational Studies
M. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

This study is a cultural investigation into rape, with specific focus on the role of African men. With more than 70 000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported in a year in South Africa, and estimations that this may reflect one ninth of the actual number only, South Africa has been labelled the “rape capital” of the world. The study seeks to explain the root causes of rape, its ontological make-up and possibilities for resolving the issue by identifying cultural aspects, factors and manifestations that either justify or sanction rape. Four concepts, namely, rape, masculinity, culture and rage, serve as the thematic lens for identifying and interrogating cultural conditions through multidisciplinary and Africancentred perspectives. The analyses contained in the study are based on a mapping process involving comparing the data from a wide range of literature and also focus group interviews. Highlighting the multi-layered complexities of rape as phenomena, the study then outlines recommendations for transformative work in research, cultural institutions, communities, families and men
Educational Studies
M. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

Poverty, violence, unemployment, the high rate of HIV/Aids and a lack of resources are some of the issues the South African government is currently trying to address. Victims of crime and violence have special needs that require early intervention. Studies show that if left unattended, victims may show maladjustment in their social, marital and work environments; receiving assistance and support following victimisation therefore holds many benefits for the victim. The Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) announced by government as part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy is meant to address these needs. The VEP is a comprehensive, multifaceted, intersectoral model that brings together integrated service delivery for victims of crime and violence. One of the mandates of the Department of Social Development as the lead department of the VEP is to provide services that empower and meet the needs of communities and individuals who are considered victims. This study seeks to justify why it is beneficial to use a participatory learning approach when designing and conducting „in-service‟ continuing professional development training courses for state-appointed social workers working within the field of victim empowerment (VE) in South Africa. It also advocates for the theoretical approaches of experiential problem-based learning and psychosocial empowerment, and discusses the use of a crossover of theories from the different disciplines of mainstream psychology, community psychology and social work. The vision of a new South Africa based on post-1994 ANC government policies is outlined and the history of the field of socio-economic development and community development is discussed. Mainstream psychology‟s contribution to community development, and the tenets of community psychology, participation and empowerment, are applied in the design of an „in-service‟ short course. The primary focus of the study is on the range of skills and abilities needed to initiate and maintain successful VE services. These include the following: skills in group process facilitation; skills in intersectoral collaboration (referral and networking) with other governmental departments and other healthcare professionals; knowing how to establish and maintain forums; an understanding of the principles and tools of participatory learning and action; skills required for designing, organising and presenting workshops; project management, and the monitoring and evaluation of VE projects. This study elucidates how critical the „in-service‟ training of VE social workers is within the new social development paradigm in South Africa, and offers key considerations and recommendations regarding future „in-service‟ training programmes/short courses for state-employed social workers involved in VE services.
Psychology
D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

MA (Sociology)
Department of Sociology
The use of social media has in the last decade become popular among students in Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). Social relationships and communications among students mostly take place on social networks. However, because of their growing popularity abuse is also increasing on these social media platforms. Female students are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and other forms of abuse on these platforms. This study explored the experiences of online sexual harassment among female students at a selected Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) in South Africa. This was to gain insights into the extent to which female students in institutions of Higher Learning are affected by this phenomenon. In particular, the study sought to find out the different forms of online sexual harassment experienced by female students in IHL, the specific types of online platforms where this sexual harassment take place, and the coping strategies employed by these students to cope with online sexual harassment. To address these objectives, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design which allowed understanding of these experiences through the eyes of the victims. Twenty female participants were used for the study, while semi structured interviews were employed to collect data from these individuals. Purposive and critical case sampling technique was used to identify female students who had experienced sexual harassment online in the IHL. Findings reveal that sexual harassment at the IHL has occurred mostly in the form soliciting and sending of inappropriate pictures and videos to the victims. The study also revealed that the two main platforms on which sexual harassment of female students took place were WhatsApp and Facebook. While the main strategies of coping with online sexual harassment were blocking of harassers and complete disregard of the harassers.
NRF