Effects of gender-based violence on young adults within their private and public spaces in Limpopo Province, Mopani District, Maruleng Municipality

Abstract

Gender-based violence is a pandemic that affects a person’s well-being and self-development; it has serious social, emotional, and economic effects. Through developmental social work, social workers are well-positioned to assist victims of GBV, provide counselling and support services, and advocate for holistic healing and recovery for survivors. However, young adults receive less support and attention during social work interventions. The study was approved by the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee to ensure adherence to professional and ethical standards before it commenced. The committee also issued informed consent to protect participants from physical and psychological harm, maintain privacy, and ensure informed consent. The researcher obtained permission from the Station Commander and Center Managers to conduct the study on their premises. The study is qualitative in nature, aiming to explore and have an in-depth understanding of the effects of gender-based violence on young adults. The study employed a phenomenological research design comprising the study sample of 15 participants who had been exposed to gender-based violence in their private and public spaces in Mopani District, in the Maruleng Municipality. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data face-to-face with the participants. A thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that young adults exposed to GBV in their private and public spaces are aware of measures to assist, but have little knowledge, are hopeless, and lack trust in service providers. The findings also revealed that service providers in centers, institutions, and NGOs need more training on gender-based violence to have a better understanding and knowledge of how to effectively render support services to the survivors of GBV.