A study to investigate domestic violence

Abstract

Summary provided by author:

In 1993 the need to establish a Unit within the Namibian Police to prevent and investigate crimes and abuse against women and children was identified. The Namibian Police was one of the key departments approached by UNICEF when inter-ministerial discussions took place in order to improve the quality of life for women and children

In the past women and children who had fallen prey to physical, sexual and emotional abuse generally reported instances of abuse at their local police stations. There they had to describe in detail to a perhaps less sympathetic male police officer what had happened. Most charge offices are usually overcrowded and the environment was not conducive to reports of that nature. The lack of privacy and a sympathetic ear for traumatized victims resulted in some women and children being reluctant to report cases of rape and abuse

The role of this Unit is basically to provide a 24 hours victim focused, multi agency approach to women and children in Namibia who have suffered or are suffering physical or sexual abuse. The police officers attached to the unit are responsible to investigate such crimes of abuse. The social workers provide after care counseling and prepare victims for the court

To find out why women stay in violent/abusive relationships this research has to be undertaken and the following has to be explored. The types of abuse, the extent of domestic violence, the cycle of violence, the profile of the victim and abuser, the reasons why they stay, and the effects of abuse on the victims

To achieve the aims of this study the research design includes a literature review and an empirical study. Methods of data collection used to carry out this study are self-administered questionnaire completed by all the respondents as well as scheduled structured interviews used by the researcher when respondents, are unable to complete the questionnaire themselves

Finally recommendations are made depending on the findings