Youth and traditional leaders’ perceptions of intimate partner violence against women in rural settlements: insights from the mid-South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is an ominous societal issue that requires urgent attention in South Africa. According to research provided by Statistics South Africa (2021), 21% of women experienced physical abuse from an intimate partner during the survey period. The current study, which employed qualitative research methods, explored the role of traditional leaders in addressing the intimate partner violence (IPV) phenomenon in a rural area. A key purpose was to determine whether their influence and interventions might offer solutions to the uMnini and Kwa Thoyana communities regarding the phenomenon of IPV. Data were also generated by eliciting the perspectives of the youth as it has been argued that young people (age 18 – 35) are most affected by the IPV phenomenon. In the African culture, traditional leaders' power and responsibilities are rarely questioned, and rural communities are greatly influenced by the role that these leaders play in the lives of individuals and in the community as a whole. Theoretically, traditional leaders’ responsibilities and influence are quite wide and they are mandated to maintain the peace and ensure the well-being of all their people. Their role also extends to the diplomatic sphere as they need to liaise with their subjects and neighbouring leaders in matters of safety, security, and social harmony. The manner in which traditional leaders in the study area addressed intimate partner violence was explored by assessing the perceptions of the youth and traditional leaders themselves. The study further sought to determine if traditional leaders’ intervention could contain and resolve incidents of IPV. To this end, the impact of the disciplinary measures they had taken or proposed to ensure justice for victims of IPV, the nature of the support they offered these victims, and the manner in which offenders were reintegrated into society were explored. The study found that traditional leaders' perceptions of intimate partner abuse digressed significantly from those of the younger generation. This dichotomy was attributed to the conflict between traditional beliefs and customs and a drastically evolving and more democratically-minded younger generation. The traditional leaders focused on restitution and healing for married couples, while unmarried couples would be left to their own devices. Holding conservative beliefs, the traditional leaders supported the traditional court system which relies on dialogue and may even excuse acts of violence against an intimate partner as long as the marriage remains intact. In their view, their attitude of forgiveness and their focus on restitution were demanded by the traditional process of restorative justice. However, this attitude did not seem to imbue young community members with hope and trust in them, as they argued that they would rather approach the SAPS than a traditional leader for assistance in the event of IPV. The youth in Kwa Thoyana and uMnini admittedly struggled, or perceived that they might struggle, to access support in cases of intimate partner abuse. This perception stemmed from their view of traditional leaders’ roles as specific to land division and restitution issues. Additionally, many argued that they would never approach their parents for support due to the time-honoured tradition of respecting one’s elders. Lastly, the use of traditional medicines and the practice of inflicting curses on targeted victims were identified as factors that contribute to IPV, indicating the need for further research to determine effective intervention strategies.