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Gender-based violence (GBV) is widely recognised as a serious human rights issue; however, the experiences of male victims remain largely overlooked and underreported. This study explores the silent and often ignored reality of GBV against men within the Polokwane Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. While dominant narratives frequently position GBV as violence perpetrated by men against women, this research sheds light on the growing, yet muted, phenomenon of male victimisation. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered from ten purposively selected participants through semi-structured interviews, including an in-depth session with a key informant. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings. The study reveals that male victims frequently suffer psychological abuse, emotional neglect, and social isolation. Deeply entrenched gender norms, societal expectations of masculinity, and fear of stigma significantly hinder men from seeking help. Furthermore, a lack of targeted support services and a predominant focus of existing GBV frameworks on women and children leaves male survivors marginalised. This research emphasises the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive interventions, including awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and the development of support systems responsive to male experiences. By highlighting these gaps, the study contributes to a broader and more equitable understanding of GBV, advocating for policies that support all survivors, regardless of gender.

Gender-based violence (GBV) against women is one of the most widespread and long-established social issues in South Africa that is conditioned by historical, cultural, and structural factors that have created a normalized environment of male dominance and accepted different types of gendered violence. This study provides a sociological explanation of GBV in terms of power and patriarchy and structural inequality area and how these interconnected factors create and maintain violence in intimate relationships, families, and the broader social institution. Using the feminist theory, intersectionality and sociological theory of power relations, the research questions the role of cultural norms, economic dependence, socialisation process as well as institutional failures in causing high incidences of violence against women. However, even after the enactment of progressive laws, including Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act, etc, the lived conditions of women still portray the vulnerabilities of the system to historical disparities, deep-rooted patriarchal philosophies and gender hierarchies. A qualitative research design was used to gather the data, where in-depth interviews, focus group and documentary analysis of women who have experienced GBV, community members and key informants including social workers, activists and legal practitioners were used to collect data. It shows that the patriarchal systems of power exist on a variety of levels family, community, cultural and institutional to naturalize violence, victimize the victim, and absolve the criminal. Results participants affirm the importance of social norms of masculinity, poverty, inequality in access to resources, and inadequate institutional responses in perpetuating fear, dependence, and subsequent exposure to violence within women. In addition, the study demonstrates how the combination of poverty, race, rurality, and social support services worsen the vulnerability of women, which leads to a reflexive relationship in which violence turns into an individual and societal problem. This study concludes that GBV in South Africa cannot be examined solely as the instances of violence but should be examined as the expression of unequal power relations, which can be found within social structures. The solution to GBV would therefore have to be multi-level and involves efforts to confront patriarchal norms, foster community accountability, bolster legal protection, and increase socio-economic opportunities of women. The results add to the existing pool of sociological research on the topic of gender and violence, providing an important insight into the reasons why GBV continues to be a problem and the changes in the structure that are required in order to mitigate it.

Domestic violence remains one of the most widespread social crises that not only imposes silence on the survivors but also hides the transformational potential inherent in their accounts of perseverance, spirituality, and emotional healing. The purpose of this enquiry is to critique a method for examining how survivors map along these pathways and how spiritual resources, emotional strength, and personal narrative reconfiguration are pertinent to their recovery, using the desktop method.  The study entailed an in-depth review of the existing academic literature, policy manuals, and theoretical frameworks on the problems of trauma, spirituality, and healing of victims of domestic violence.  According to the results, the healing process experienced by most survivors is a multidimensional phenomenon that is based on the synthesis of spiritual practices, emotional strength, and identity restoration. Supportive communities, faith traditions, and cultural settings have also been noted in the available literature as service-oriented in assisting survivors to communicate their unpleasant pasts.  The lessons teach that healing is not an individual process but rather a shared one that takes place within a collective, and that it is shaped by the resources of social and spiritual support that survivors possess.  The importance of this study is that it can help appreciate the role of survivors' spiritual and emotional journeys in influencing the practitioner's actions at the policymaking level. The research would be useful in providing practical advice to the academia, religious leaders, and policymakers who can guide their actions in establishing a mechanism of adequate provision to address the holistic needs of victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence remains a pervasive social and criminological challenge in South Africa, particularly in rural and semi-rural communities where structural inequalities, patriarchal norms and limited institutional support heighten women’s vulnerability. While domestic violence research has traditionally positioned women as victims, emerging evidence indicates that some female survivors transition into perpetrators. This qualitative study, conducted in the Seshego policing area of Limpopo Province, investigates the contributory factors underpinning this transition. Using purposive and snowball sampling, data were collected from the Twelve (25) women who had moved from victimhood to perpetration, five subject-matter experts, and ten decided domestic violence case files. The data were analysed thematically to uncover the intersecting personal, relational, socio-economic and cultural forces that shape this trajectory. Guided by Trauma Theory, Strain Theory, Feminist Theory and Social Learning Theory, the study develops a Conceptual Criminological Model that illustrates how unresolved psychological trauma, coercive control, economic dependency, patriarchal ideologies and intergenerational exposure to violence converge to influence women’s pathways into reactive or defensive offending. The findings reveal that women’s violent actions are rarely premeditated; rather, they often emerge from accumulated trauma, persistent institutional failures, limited access to support services and constrained agency within oppressive environments and this study highlights critical gaps in policing responses, justice-system implementation, economic opportunities and trauma-informed care in rural contexts such as Seshego. It recommends multi-sectoral interventions including strengthened legal enforcement, community-based awareness programmes, culturally sensitive prevention strategies, trauma-informed psychosocial services and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing women’s dependency on abusive partners. By centring women’s lived experiences and examining the structural conditions that shape their actions, this research contributes to criminological scholarship and supports the development of holistic, context-specific strategies to prevent domestic violence and break cycles of intergenerational harm in South Africa.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue that has been extensively researched, particularly in relation to women and girls. However, there is limited research on the psychological consequences of GBV experienced by men, especially in rural African contexts. This qualitative research explored the psychological impacts of GBV on men in rural Zimbabwe. Fifteen participants were purposively selected to participate in focus group discussions. This study involved married men and women aged 20 to 45, encompassing both employed and unemployed individuals. It was completed over two weeks, facing time constraints due to commitments of both researchers and participants. Content thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that men in rural Zimbabwe face various forms of GBV, including physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse. The data reveal that the psychological consequences of this violence can be severe, with some men experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and even death. The study recommends that, there is need for greater awareness, support services, and counselling to address the unique challenges faced by male survivors of GBV in this context. The research further recommends calling for further research to better understand the gendered dynamics and help-seeking behaviours of men experiencing GBV in rural African communities. Developing culturally appropriate interventions and dismantling harmful gender norms are identified as critical steps toward supporting the mental health and well-being of male GBV survivors.

This paper investigates the role of traditional leaders (Mahosi) in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the Vhembe District of Limpopo in South Africa. Grounded by Community-based social change theory (CBSC) and informed by gender theory and it explains how the Mahosi are dealing with GBV within cultural and social constructs of their own environments. Through qualitative interviews with ten Mahosi across five municipalities, the research identifies three key strategies: promoting community dialogue, applying cultural accountability mechanisms, and collaborating with formal service providers. While some Mahosi demonstrate transformative leadership by adapting traditional norms and supporting survivors, others reinforce patriarchal structures that may undermine justice and silence victims. The study also reflects on how hegemonic masculinity and gendered power relations influence these responses. Findings suggest that traditional leadership can be both a facilitator of justice and a barrier to gender equality, depending on the level of critical engagement and partnership with broader systems. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on culturally relevant GBV interventions and emphasises the need for capacity-building and policy alignment to ensure that traditional authority supports, rather than hinders, efforts to eliminate GBV.

Domestic violence is a deeply troubling and pervasive problem that affects individuals and families across the globe. Law enforcement agencies play a pivotal role in responding to domestic violence incidents, tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved. This study aimed to investigate the situational factors that shape police officers’ decision-making processes when responding to domestic violence cases. The study used a qualitative approach and an exploratory case study design. Five police officers dealing with domestic violence matters were sampled through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from police officers. In adherence to national COVID-19 regulations, data were gathered through individual telephone interviews until saturation was reached. The data collected were analysed thematically. The findings revealed how organisational procedures, the type of abuse reported, the availability of witnesses, the behaviour of the perpetrator, and the victim’s statement influence police responses to domestic violence. In conclusion, this study has shed light on the multifaceted factors that significantly influence police officers’ decision-making processes when dealing with domestic violence incidents and their subsequent approaches to reported cases. Understanding these factors is crucial for enhancing law enforcement strategies, training, and policies to better serve and protect victims in such cases.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), or simply partner violence, is a human rights abuse and an important public health problem. Despite all the success and endeavors towards empowering women, the victims remain disempowered and susceptible. A qualitative research design was utilized, underpinned by a phenomenological, exploratory research design, to attempt to understand the experiences of IPV victims and inform practice guidelines. The study aimed to develop an understanding of the role of VEP in empowering IPV victims in Gauteng. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a sample of fifteen IPV victims. The non-probability purposive sampling strategy allowed the researcher to choose based on discretion by purposively sampling individuals according to accessibility and appropriateness, and such a participant exemplified specific characteristics of the research. The study has revealed a compelling imperative to move beyond short-term emergency shelter arrangements and focus on long-term housing solutions for IPV survivors. Programs must ensure access to decent, permanent housing at an affordable cost, which offers stability and a foundation for survivors to re-establish their lives.

This qualitative study examined the Men and Boys Championing Change programme’s effectiveness in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa’s Vhembe district, facilitated by Traditional leaders (Mahosi) using an empowerment model. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten Mahosi purposefully selected using a non-probability sampling method, analysed thematically and supported by a 4-point Likert-type scale, indicated positive perceptions of the programme, scoring an average of 3.7 out of 4. Leaders highlighted improved attitudes, male engagement, and gender equity as programme benefits. However, sustainability concerns scored 3.0, reflecting a moderate to high level of agreement that limited resources may impact long-term success. The findings suggest the programme promotes community cohesion, social justice, and respect for women while highlighting resource constraints as barriers to lasting impact.

Intimate partner violence against male victims is an understudied phenomenon that has been neglected by traditional research methods in South Africa. This study is intended to shed light on the under-researched area of intimate partner violence against male victims in South Africa. Despite the focus on female victims of violence, male victims have historically been neglected in research. This study is concerned with identifying the contributory factors that make men vulnerable to intimate partner violence in South Africa. This study employed the qualitative research approach. The study comprised of 10 male victims of intimate partner violence to assist the research to gather in-depth data about IPV. Furthermore, data was analyzed thematically, this is a qualitative research data analysis method used to identify, code, and categorize patterns and themes with the date set. Findings from this study are set to inform policymakers and service providers to develop interventions that meet the needs of male victims in South Africa, and to strengthen the evidence base for male victimhood. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on male victimhood and ultimately to the development of policy and programs that prevent violence against men and promote their safety and well-being.

This research explores the nexus of oral communication, masculinity, and gender-based violence (GBV) in Congolese households the City of Bukavu. It was conducted between October and December 2023. It used a qualitative approach with 30 in-depth interviews with Congolese married men the researchers chose randomly, and whose ages ranged between 35 and 67. The research applied thematic analysis to identify major themes. Results indicate that Congolese men in Bukavu appreciate when family members value their masculinity. Monopolizing the speech gives them the feeling they are listened to, which mirrors power and respect. Interrupting a man’s oral communication conveys disdain of his masculine power, which can push him to resort to GBV. This attitude originates from gender roles and beliefs that patriarchy has preset for men, obliging women to remain silent and submissive. Gender differences in spoken communication led to either competition or connection, and affiliation or action. The study applied the theories of family violence and masculinity. Family violence entails how communication styles can influence each partner’s behaviours. The man’s abusive communication in the household can manipulate his wife's feelings to prompt emotional abuse. Masculinity encompasses hegemonic masculinity that dominates all other masculinities. Masculinity sets a boundary of what it means to be a man by giving him power and control over women and other men. This elucidates how men have full speech while women are passive. Once gender dissimilarities and masculinity couple with voiced negative communication, they fuel male GBV in Congolese households. To overcome this issue, constructive masculinity can promote healthy communication by encouraging men to value women and communicate freely by respecting freedom of expression in large or reduced locales.

The crucial mandate for any state is that learners attain their education in a safe learning environment. Learners’ access to a high-quality, inclusive, equitable education, and their capacity are jeopardised by the pervasive gender-based violence in and around schools. This paper aims to investigate the impact of gender-based violence on girls in the selected secondary schools in Limpopo Province of South Africa. From the qualitative standpoint, coupled with the case study research design, this study used a purposive sample to select 15 (n = 15) participants. Data were collected through literature reviews and the application of semi-structured Key Informant Interviews and analysed using Thematic Analysis. The findings of this study include (i) low school performance, (ii) learners who are dropping out, (iii) learners’ inability to exercise their human rights and their right to an education, (iv) lack of a well-resourced and strong criminal justice system, and (v) an intervention team to address the impact of gender-based violence on girls. This study concludes that gender-based violence should be taught as a subject in schools to address the persistent issue in South Africa for learners to understand abuse and violation in the future. This paper recommends that all stakeholders in our society—civil, social workers, and law enforcement authorities—collaborate more closely than they currently do to end gender-based violence against schoolgirls.

Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is a multifaceted complex phenomenon that needs urgent comprehensive attention in South Africa and other similarly or worse-off affected countries. Central to combating and eliminating GBVF starts with a systematic understanding of the drivers of GBVF. The research aims to develop a conceptual framework of drivers of gender-based violence and femicide, which can be applied to different GVBF improvement studies. The conceptual framework was developed using ecological system theory having 20 indicators relating to: microsystem – personal history and individual factors; mesosystem – interpersonal relationships; exosystem – community factors; macrosystem – societal factors; and chronosystem – significant changes over time. The framework interlinking these GBVF drivers allows for the diagnosis of the main drivers of GBVF and estimates its impact on the victims and their families. This, in turn, can help to combat and eliminate GBVF through moderation with GBVF policies and strategies. This study contributes to systematically demystifying of drivers of GBVF, especially in South Africa and similar African countries.

The study investigates the relationship between masculinities, narcissism, and gender-based violence (GBV) among Congolese male refugees in Durban, South Africa. The research uses a qualitative approach and 25 in-depth interviews to identify major themes. Results show that Congolese male refugees reinforce their masculinities through narcissistic behaviors, which contribute to GBV. Societal stakeholders in Durban should be involved in addressing GBV prevention initiatives to hinder men's narcissistic attitudes and beliefs. Recognizing a partner's depth can help reduce GBV by recognizing the positive attention they expect from them.

South Africa has been battling the scourge of the COVID-19 Pandemic which has negatively affected many individuals and families. The South African government imposed a national lockdown to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lockdown also brought more challenges such as increased violence cases. Against this background, this study sought to analyse the COVID-19 lockdown and domestic violence in South Africa. A non-empirical research design was used where documents from search engines such as Google scholar, EBSCOhost and ProQuest were sampled and reviewed using keywords and phrases related to COVID-19, lockdown and domestic violence to filter relevant data, restricted to 2002-2022. The inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was used to analyze the collected data. Findings reveal that the South African Lockdown has contributed to the rise of domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results further indicate that victims of domestic violence face psychosocial challenges due to domestic violence. Programs that are aimed at creating awareness and empowering victims of domestic violence are recommended by this study. It is further recommended that policies protecting citizens against domestic violence be reviewed and strengthened.

Globally, alcohol use is an important public health concern which often contributes to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV/F), Femicide and Gender Based Violence (GBV). Interfacing of alcohol use and intimate partner violence in under-resourced and rural areas has received little empirical attention and interventions for enlightening the crisis of IPV and related social ills. This paper explored the nexus between alcohol use and intimate partner violence in under-resourced and rural areas. The study employed a qualitative, exploratory multiple case study design. Purposive, snowballing and convenience sampling techniques were employed. The study was cleared ethically by the registered body at the university. Data was analysed thematically. This study found that the majority of the cases showed a linkage between intimate partner violence and substance abuse incidents. It can be concluded that the availability and affordability of alcohol play a role in IPV. Awareness campaigns about the linkage between substance abuse and IPV should be implemented.