The effects of gender-based violence on the psychological welbeing of exposed community members, in a selected rural village in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is any form of violence or abuse that targets someone based on gender identity, expression, or societal role. It can affect anyone, causing trauma and psychological distress for the victims and their families, although it disproportionately affects women and girls. Literature reveals that massive studies have been previously conducted to explore the effects of GBV on victims, yet very little have been done to understand the effect on secondary and tertiary victims, who are community members who, directly or indirectly, witnessed incidents of GBV. The study explored and described. the effects of GBV on the psychological wellbeing of exposed community members in a selected rural village in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. The researcher employed the theoretical framework of the social learning theory and the concept of violence as trauma. The study used a qualitative research approach and an exploratory research design. A sample of 12 participants was selected from Khubvi village in the Thohoyandou policing area; participants were between the ages of 19 and 55 and were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods because of the study's sensitivity. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, with a semi-structured interview guide containing open-ended questions and data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured, and all ethical protocols were followed. Finally, recommendations were made based on the study's findings.