Challenges experienced at NGO crisis shelters for women in the eThekwini region : perspectives of centre managers and social workers.

Abstract

This qualitative research study used data source triangulation incorporating in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with Centre Managers and Social Workers respectively to explore intra-organisational and structural factors affecting service delivery at crisis shelters for women in the eThekwini region. Key findings which emerged under intra-organisational factors include role confusion pertaining to functions of Boards of Management relative to that of Centre Managers as well as functions of Centre Managers in relation to those of Social Workers; human and other resource limitations. The identified structural factors include: undesirable aspects of new managerialism; unequal power relationship between centres and funders; as well inadequate service by law enforcement as far as domestic violence is concerned. Based on the main findings, the key recommendation made is capacity building for Boards of Management; Centre Managers; as well as law enforcement agents.