Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence Behaviour amongst On-Campus Female Students at an Institution of Higher Learning, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Risky behaviours amongst young people, like unsafe sex, substance abuse and violence are a major health concern worldwide, and South Africa faces similar challenges. University entrance is a pivotal phase of transformation for young adults exposing them to a fresh environment. Gender-based violence (GBV) behaviour amongst young people in South Africa remains a pressing public health issue. Primary prevention interventions remain a prerequisite for improving social and health outcomes. The study was aimed at investigating factors contributing to GBV behaviours amongst on-campus female students at an Institution of Higher Education in Limpopo Province. The study employed a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey research approach. A probability simple random sampling technique was used to sample the participants. The targeted population were all registered female students residing on campus at the University of Venda. A sample of 362 female students/respondents aged 18-24 was interviewed using self-administered questionnaires. The researcher used the descriptive data analysis method to analyse data using SPSS 22.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23). The study results revealed that students at the University of Venda have knowledge and understanding of what GBV is. The results also concluded that alcohol consumption and addictive substances contribute to GBV, and one’s upbringing has a role to play in shaping GBV behaviour. Economic vulnerability was also highlighted as a major contributing factor to GBV. This study concludes that GBV among female students who are residing on campus at the University of Venda is driven by interconnected behavioural, economic, and socio-cultural factors.