Strategies to Enhance Utilization of Victim Empowernment Services by Men in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Title: Strategies to enhance the utilization of Victim Empowerment Services by men in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Introduction: Utilization of Victim Empowerment Services by men appears to be a challenge nationwide and worldwide due to few men who seek professional assistance about abuse. It is therefore significant that strategies to enhance the utilization of Victim Empowerment Services be put in place to provide a baseline of supervision and support of abused men. Purpose: The study’s purpose was to develop strategies to enhance the utilization of Victim Empowerment Services by men in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in the selected villages of the four municipalities (Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina, and Thulamela) and two selected Victim Empowerment Services of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Research Design: A convergent-parallel mixed method design was be utilized. The study was explanatory, exploratory descriptive. Research Methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilized as research methodologies. Population: The population for the quantitative method were selected from men of 25 years and older in all four municipalities, namely, Collins-Chabane, Makhado, Musina, and Thulamela. The population for the qualitative method was selected from abused men and directors, programme managers, programme coordinators, social workers, and lay counsellors from the two selected Victim Empowerment Services of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Sampling: Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were utilized. The probability sampling method employed cluster random sampling for the quantitative approach. The non-probability sampling method employed a convenience sampling technique for the qualitative approach. Data Collection: Data collection in the quantitative approach, structured close-ended self-developed questions were utilized for all men between ages 25 and above at selected chief’s kraals during gatherings (khoro or imbizo) and selected wards in villages in Vhembe District. Data collection in the qualitative approach utilized open-ended structured in-depth face-to-face interviews on abused men and focus groups on directors, programme managers, programme coordinators, counsellors (social workers and lay counsellors) at selected Victim Empowerment Services of Vhembe District. Data Analysis: Data were analyzed separately. Data analysis in the quantitative strand utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0. Data gathered in the qualitative study were analyzed through Thematic Coding Analysis method to develop themes and sub-themes. Validity and reliability were ensured in the quantitative design by conducting a pilot study. Measures to ensure trustworthiness in the qualitative design were achieved through critical peer review of the research instrument by the supervisors who are experts in their research field. Strategies were developed and validated through the Validation Tool Survey Checklist Questionnaires which were handed to the panel of research experts who are directors, programme managers, programme coordinators, social workers, and lay counsellors from the Victim Empowerment Services for obtaining judgments. Ethical Principles: Ethical principles were adhered to in this study. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee (UVREC) and permission to conduct the study from the Limpopo Province Provincial Department of Health and Vhembe District Department of Health Office. Findings: The findings of this study formed the basis for strategies development. Findings revealed that 63.3% of respondents believed all the killings between spouses and intimate partners are contributed by abuse from a spouse or intimate partner. Currently, there is a trend of many incidences of killings between spouses and intimate partners reported by the media in South Africa. Of the respondents, 83.3% agreed that cases of men abuse are increasing in their community. Although abused men do not often report abuse to the authorities due to fear that nobody will believe them and fear of stigmatization by family, friends, community and fear of victimization by the service providers, for example, harassment from police officers leading to poor utilization of Victim Empowerment Services as they will be reluctant to seek professional assistance. Phase 2 dealt with the development of strategies to enhance utilization of Victim Empowerment Services by men in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, utilizing the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis recognized from the collected data. Phase 3 comprised the validation of the developed strategies which was conducted utilizing a quantitative research design. Appointments were secured with the Victim Empowerment Centres Directors and meetings were held with the Directors, Programme Managers, Programmes Coordinators, Social Workers and Lay Counsellors working at the selected Victim Empowerment Services Facilities of Vhembe District. Self-developed questionnaires were administered to the respondents for completion and data were analyzed through descriptive statistical analysis. All (100%) respondents agreed that the developed strategies were applicable and pertinent for social service and health care practice. Both the Directors, Programme Managers, Programme Coordinators, Social Workers and Lay Counsellors made additions, inputs and suggestions that enhanced the developed strategies. Recommendations: The Government, together with the Victim Empowerment Services should ensure implementation of strategies to curb the problem of men abuse and enhance them to utilize these services when facing challenges. Health talks, awareness campaigns and outreach programmes should be strengthened regarding contributory factors of abuse, types of abuse, consequences of abuse as well as the importance of utilization of Victim Empowerment Services by men.