An evaluation of protection orders around Thohoyandou Area : a sociological approach

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of protection orders in deterring the occurrences of women abuse. The research was conducted at Thohoyandou in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Domestic violence is very high in South Africa and it affects all social groups. In the post - apartheid South Africa, violence against women and children in different forms was seen prominent. Therefore, the home environment was no longer a safe place where a person can stay. Estimates of the extent vary but high rates led the ANC government to recognize the problem as of importance. Therefore the government introduced the clause in the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 which provides for protection orders to help the victims of domestic violence. Because of the new dispensations women are now able to apply for protection orders against their abusers. The research is an evaluative study where qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women aged between 20 to 45years who obtained protection orders from Thohoyandou magistrates during the years 2001-2005. Their experiences were analyzed using qualitative instruments. The effectiveness of protection orders would have been measured in the study by the like hood of decreased risks of violence on the victims after receiving protection orders. Unfortunately results showed that women were abused with protection orders at hands, some losing their marriages and others even their lives. Results showed that protection orders increased the level of violence at home, breaks communication, and it can thus be said that it consistently failed to provide protection to the victims of domestic violence. The researcher recommended that there should be more family clinics for abused women, shelters, trained personnel especially police force who understands domestic violence, education provision, anger management classes for perpetrators and application of restorative justice system.