WAITING TO SPEAK
A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in the Western
Cape, South Africa
September 2014
Report commissioned by Tearfund
Researchers: Bongi Zengele and the HOPE Africa Research Team (Mari Lotvonen, Petrina Pakoe,
Thabiso Nyapisi & Thandeka Mashwama)
In partnership with: (in alphabetical order)
Anglican Diocese of False Bay
HOPE Africa
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TEARFUND
South Africa
Registration number: 0080002500017
Email: veena.osullivan@tearfund.org
solange.mukamana@tearfund.org
Tearfund is a Christian relief and development agency building a global network of local
churches to help eradicate poverty. It has more than ten years’ experience of working through
church-based partners in the response to sexual violence.
Tearfund is also a founding member of We Will Speak Out
(www.wewillspeakout.org) – an international Christian coalition
working together to end sexual violence.
Tearfund South Africa is an affiliated organisation of Tearfund, based in Durban. It seeks to be
an enabling organisation, coming alongside the most vulnerable people, building collaborations
across boundaries so that the church and community work together to bring justice, peace and
hope across the land.
Front cover photo: HOPE Africa and the Diocese of False Bay
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Table of Contents
List of Figures ......................................................................................................................................... vi
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................... vi
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. vi
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... vii
Executive summary .............................................................................................................................. viii
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background.................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Research objectives ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Significance and rationale of the research...................................................................................... 2
1.4 Research sites in the Western Cape ............................................................................................... 3
1.4.1 Bredasdorp ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.4.2 Khayelitsha ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.4.3 Fisantekraal............................................................................................................................. 3
1.4.4 Athlone ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Collaboration of Research Partners ................................................................................................ 4
1.5.1 H.O.P.E. Africa......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5.2 Diocese of False Bay................................................................................................................ 4
1.5.3 Tearfund ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.5.4 Survivor Community................................................................................................................ 5
1.5.5 Civil Society............................................................................................................................. 5
1.5.6 We Will Speak Out .................................................................................................................. 5
1.6 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Definition of sexual violence .......................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Background on sexual violence in South Africa and Western Cape ................................................. 8
2.3 The drivers of sexual violence ........................................................................................................ 9
2.4 Impact of sexual violence on survivors ......................................................................................... 10
2.5 Reasons for not speaking out ....................................................................................................... 11
2.6 Theoretical framework................................................................................................................. 11
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2.6.1 A critical theory paradigm ..................................................................................................... 11
2.6.2 Gender sensitive multi-sectoral approach ............................................................................. 12
2.6.3 Post-colonial and feminist perspectives................................................................................. 13
2.7 Role of church in responding to sexual violence ........................................................................... 13
2.8 Case study of Anene Booysens..................................................................................................... 14
2.9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 3 : METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design........................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Sampling Framework ................................................................................................................... 19
3.5 Data Collection Process................................................................................................................ 21
3.5.1 Data Collection Instrument ................................................................................................... 21
3.5.2 Interviews and Focus Group Discussions ............................................................................... 22
3.5.3 Data Collection Apparatus..................................................................................................... 22
3.6 Ethical Considerations.................................................................................................................. 23
3.6.1 Voluntary Participation ......................................................................................................... 23
3.6.2 No harm to the participants .................................................................................................. 23
3.6.3 Anonymity and Confidentiality .............................................................................................. 24
3.6.4 Reporting of Findings ............................................................................................................ 24
3.7 Trustworthiness........................................................................................................................... 25
3.7.1 Credibility ............................................................................................................................. 25
3.7.2 Transferability....................................................................................................................... 25
3.7.3 Dependability........................................................................................................................ 25
3.7.4 Confirmability ....................................................................................................................... 26
3.8 Data management ....................................................................................................................... 26
3.8 Limitations of the Research.......................................................................................................... 26
3.9 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 4 : RESEARCH FINDINGS
4.1 Definition of sexual violence by survivors..................................................................................... 28
4.2 The reason why survivors remain silent ....................................................................................... 29
4.3 The effects of sexual violence in survivors lives ............................................................................ 31
4.4 What survivors need to heal from sexual violence ....................................................................... 34
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4.5 Benefits of a survivor movement ................................................................................................. 35
4.6 The role of the church in dealing with sexual violence.................................................................. 36
4.7 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusions.................................................................................................................................. 38
5.1.1 Definition and meaning of sexual violence ............................................................................ 38
5.1.2 Understanding why survivors remain silent ........................................................................... 39
5.1.3 Impact of sexual violence on the lives of individual survivors................................................. 40
5.1.4 Survivors understanding of the process of healing and restoration........................................ 41
5.1.5 Benefit from a survivor movement........................................................................................ 42
5.1.6 Role of the Church in handling Sexual Violence ..................................................................... 42
5.2 Recommendations....................................................................................................................... 43
5.2.1 Survivor movement............................................................................................................... 43
5.2.2 Advocacy for policy change ................................................................................................... 43
5.2.4 Role of the church................................................................................................................. 44
5.3 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 44
Appendices ........................................................................................................................................... 45
References ............................................................................................................................................ 47
v
List of Figures
Figure 1: Participants definition of sexual violence ................................................................................ 28
Figure 2: Reasons for not speaking out about SV .................................................................................. 30
Figure 3: Reasons for not speaking out about SV .................................................................................. 30
Figure 4: Impact of sexual violence in survivors lives ............................................................................. 32
Figure 5: What would assist survivors to heal ....................................................................................... 34
Figure 6: Benefits of survivor movement .............................................................................................. 35
Figure 7: Current perceptions of the role of the church in sexual violence ............................................ 36
Acronyms
SV
SSV
NPO
NGO
FBO
UNAIDS
Sexual Violence
Survivors of Sexual Violence
Non-profit organization
Non-governmental organization
Faith Based Organization
United Nation Programme on HIV/AIDS
Glossary
Stigma
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular person or quality.
Perpetrator
A person who carries out a harmful, illegal or immoral action.
Rape
The crime, typically committed by a man, of forcing another person to
have sexual intercourse with the offender against his or her will.
Survivor Movement A movement of survivors that allow would a community of survivors to
meet one another and express their needs and requirements, that would
effect and advocate informed change within communities.
vi
Acknowledgements
All survivors of sexual violence who agreed to form part of this mapping study in Bredarsdorp,
Fisantekraal, Khayelitsha and Athlone. Thank you for being a face and share your most intimate
stories in loving memory of your innocence, inner beauty and presence during the study you
will always be remembered and the life stories you have shared here will never die but
treasured for a lifetime. Thank you for allowing Tearfund and Hope Africa to hear stories and
together in speaking out you have contributed towards the restoration of gender justice
because of what you shared no survivor will never cry alone but in solidarity we all are holding
hands and we will speak out against abuse of women and children. By participating, in this
study you have allowed women of South Africa to change the conversation for it is no longer
the invisible, faceless victims of sexual violence but the real voices of survivors of sexual
violence expressing themselves and reaching out to other survivors searching for real meaning
of living life unto its fullness (John.10:10)
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Executive summary
The purpose of this research by Tearfund SA, in partnership with Hope Africa the Social
Development Programme of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, is to explore the needs of
survivors of sexual violence in order to advocate for the restoration of human dignity. Despite
sexual and gender based violence receiving increasing public attention globally, those affected
remain silent.
Research objectives are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Explore survivors understanding of sexual violence,
Understand why survivors remain silent;
Map and explore the impact of sexual violence on the lives of individual survivors,
Map priorities of survivors and begin understanding the process of healing and
restoration for survivors
5. Determine whether individual survivors would benefit from a survivor movement, and
6. To ascertain the role of the Church in handling Sexual Violence
Sixty-four survivors of sexual violence were included in this qualitative research employing
focus group design. Survivor focus groups were conducted in the Western Cape in the following
areas; Bredarsdorp, Khayelitsha, Fisantekraal and Athlone. The size of each focus group ranged
from three to twenty-two.
There were four one on one in-depth interviews that were
conducted with survivors as they volunteered to be interviewed in private. The research
participants were all women who varied demographically in age, race and socio-economic
status.
The major findings of this research were aligned with the research objectives. Firstly, survivors
understanding of sexual violence included the use of force, personal violation, and intergenerational cycle of rape, brutality, transactional sex, alcohol abuse, poverty, domestic
violence and a loss of control. Rape alone was not seen, as their immediate understanding of
sexual violence, but sexual violence was broader and encompassing of the above-mentioned
themes.
Secondly, the reason for survivors silence emerged through focus group discussions, because of
threat, fear, self-blame, financial dependency, insecurity, and stigma, perpetrator being a family
member, regrets, and trauma and failing justice systems. Survivors viewed intimidation,
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judgement and lack of support by society as central to their silence. The common feeling was
that there is no way out they need to endure the pain for the sake of their children and
culturally marriage is a binding factor they were persevering impossible conditions 'our
husbands are killing us' 'when they are angry this is where they release their stress and this is
cruel' ‘we are beaten and insulted in front of our children, in this way we lose respect and
dignity at home' 'there is nowhere to go' ' and there is no one to talk to' 'rape stays with you
even if you want it to go away the flashes come back and you relive it again and again (these
are some of the voices captured during the interviews)
Thirdly, the effects of sexual violence, although they differed from one respondent to another;
were expressed as multi-faceted and significant. Examples of these effects were substance
abuse, unwanted pregnancy, family curse, insecurity, shame, suicide, depression, impact on
health, displaced anger, lack of self-confidence, no trust, family disintegration, effects on
interpersonal relationships, difficult to start and maintain relationships. The majority of the
survivors in Khayelitsha presented a wide variety of illnesses ranging from diabetes, stress
related fatigue, hypertension, alcoholism and substance abuse saying these are the
consequences of sexual violence as well as difficult life circumstances they are facing at
present.
“Four guys raped me, two are in jail, two walk free on the streets”
Fourthly, in order to heal, survivors felt they needed to build a circle of trust amongst survivors,
support groups, sex education, to be heard, safe spaces to share, awareness campaigns, less
societal judgement, speak out, support, counselling, learning survival skills, to forgive
themselves, to forgive perpetrator, moral support, love, education and housing. There was also
a need for a victim support centre and specialised sexual crime unit at police stations,
designated medical doctor for sexual trauma cases and court practitioners to assist with
navigating the court system. Survivors iterated the value of empowerment as a need to heal in
order to reduce their vulnerability from repeated sexual violence.
“I am who I am, I am a child of God who created me so let me fight”
The fifth research objective in determining the relevance of a survivor movement was received
with overwhelming approval by survivors. Every participant in the research agreed that the
formation of a survivor-led movement would be beneficial to individual survivors in multiple
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ways. Within focus groups, it emerged that the formation of a survivor-led movement would be
a facilitative agent of healing, fostering solidarity and a means of stopping the silence.
Finally, the research established that the church is ill equipped to deal with sexual violence. The
respondents at the time of the research were of the opinion that the church is not a place
where they felt free to be themselves and share real life experiences of sexual violence due to
fear of gossip, stigma, judgmental attitude and ostracism. “They [the church] must help you and
not put you down [not judge or label]”…. 'My priest raped me'....'no one believed me because I
was molested by a priest'.... This poses a serious challenge on the relevance of the church in
dealing with sexual violence.
“My 9 year old daughter was raped in the church when she was
hungry and went to the soup kitchen”.
The reality of the scarring caused by sexual violence was repeatedly voiced by participants, as
well as the common theme of resilience in a negative and positive sense Some participants
reported that rising above their pain was an encouragement to others. Whilst others, especially
those encountering multiple forms of on-going sexual violence, described their daily trauma in
dysfunctional relationships.
This research thus echoes that survivors of sexual violence are waiting to speak out. The voice
of survivors in each of the focus group discussions and one on one interviews, carried strength
and hope to overcome their situations. When society acknowledges their pain then judgment
would no longer be a pervading fear. Advocating for change in government policy is needed to
enhance the response to survivors needs. The formation of survivor-led forums where survivors
joined in unity can overcome their trauma and will encourage a bigger group to speak out and
restoration and healing can begin.
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this research by Tearfund SA, in partnership with HOPE Africa the Social
Development Programme of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, is to explore the needs of
survivors of sexual violence in order to advocate for the restoration of human dignity. Despite
sexual and gender based violence receiving increasing public attention globally, those affected
remain silent.
1.1 Background
Tearfund South Africa (SA) is a Durban based organization (NPO), which is a branch of Tearfund
UK, a UK based international NGO working across 60 countries globally. Tearfund SA is a
relatively new organization, set up to accompany and strengthen local partnerships and
collaborations in South Africa, with a specific focus on mobilizing the church. Tearfund UK has a
long-term commitment to working with Churches globally with a vision to empower and enable
them to address issues to poverty and justice. Since 2010, Tearfund UK has been involved in
building national and global movements of faith that have a vision to end sexual violence. In
partnership with the Anglican Communion and UNAIDS, they have launched a coalition called
‘We Will Speak Out’ (www.wewillspeakout.org). National coalitions have been developed in the
Great Lakes countries of Rwanda, Burundi and DRC and in Liberia. South Africa has high
statistics of sexual violence where women and young girls are often victims and left vulnerable
to rape and sexual violence. The South African Government has a 365 National Action Plan to
end gender-based violence. While there are many organizations working to address this issue,
strong coalitions within the faith community are lacking. Over 80% of the population of South
Africa profess a Christian faith, which makes churches a powerful force that can do something
significant to realize the plans instituted by the government.
1.2 Research objectives
The purpose of the research is to explore the experiences and the needs of survivors of sexual
violence. While sexual and gender based violence is becoming a key focus issue globally, the
silence and stigma suffered by survivors keeps them silent. There is a real need for a
movement of survivors to come together and express their needs and demands of policy
makers so that responses can be urgent and meaningful, putting the most affected
communities at the heart of the response.
In order to bridge the gap where the voices of survivors has been lacking; this research hopes to
facilitate this process and empower survivors to champion change and effect current policy and
interventions. Through collaboration with key partners working with survivors, providing safe
1
space forums for survivors to share experiences, perceptions and vocalize action plans,
research aims to strengthen survivor’s advocacy role.
In cognizance of the extent of sexual violence in existence in South Africa, to hear the voice of
every survivor is not feasible. However, through key representative communities of survivors in
South Africa, the voices of these survivors would begin to echo and empower others no longer
to remain silent. The purpose of the research is therefore not to make generalisations about
the survivor population, but rather transferable to different contexts and cultures of survivors.
Research objectives are:
Explore survivors understanding of sexual violence,
Understand why survivors remain silent;
Map and explore the impact of sexual violence on the lives of individual survivors,
Map priorities of survivors and begin understanding the process of healing and
restoration for survivors
Determine whether individual survivors would benefit from a survivor movement, and
To ascertain the role of the Church in handling Sexual Violence
Research questions are:
1. What is survivors understanding of sexual violence?
2. Why do survivors choose to remain silent about their situation?
3. What are the effects of sexual violence on the lives of survivors?
4. What benefits if any can the survivor movement bring into the life of the individualsurvivor?
5. What is the role of the Church in handling sexual violence?
1.3 Significance and rationale of the research
This research is significant because of the high statistics of rape and sexual violence, however it
is rare to hear the voices of survivors telling it like it is. Survivors are often invisible and isolated
from the public; there is often judgmental attitude towards survivors. When survivors are
commercial sex-workers, they are often called in various derogatory terms to express society’s
disapproval of how they live and earn their money. The research pays special attention to the
real life situation of a survivor of sexual violence. The rationale of the research is to create more
awareness and enable voices and faces of survivors of sexual violence to be seen and be heard
through survivor movement. It is often not easy to see the real person behind these statistics,
so the research reports the real life experiences of survivors. This research anonymously tells
the life-stories of pain and struggles of survivors in a dignified manner in order to fulfil and
advocacy role the survivor movement led by survivors have. This research will bring more light
2
and open new avenues of reaching out towards real needs of survivors as articulated by them
as they seek justice and restoration of their human dignity regardless of challenges facing them
day and night.
1.4 Research sites in the Western Cape
This research was conducted in four (4) purposefully selected geographical areas in the
Western Cape as listed below:
1.4.1 Bredasdorp
Bredasdorp is a town in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape. It is about a 160
kilometres drive from Cape Town and 35 kilometres drive from Cape Agulhas, the
southernmost tip of Africa. Bredasdorp consisted of 12,749 people living in 3,558 households
(Census, 2011). The largest parts of the community, 68%, are coloured. The predominant
language spoken is Afrikaans.
1.4.2 Khayelitsha
Khayelitsha is a partially informal township, located on the Cape Flats in the City of Cape Town.
The name is Xhosa for New Home. It is known to be the largest and fastest growing township in
South Africa. Khayelitsha has a population of 391,749 (Census, 2011). The ethnic makeup of
Khayelitsha is approximately 90.5% Black African, with Xhosa being the predominant language
of the residents. Khayelitsha has a very young population with fewer than 7% of its residents
being over 50 years old. A large part of the population migrated mostly from the Eastern Cape,
searching for better work opportunities. Khayelitsha is one of the poorest areas of Cape Town.
Roughly, over half of the 118,000 households live in informal dwellings.
1.4.3 Fisantekraal
Fisantekraal is an informal settlement that was established 11 years ago. It is approximately 10
km outside of Durbanville. It consists of 50% Xhosa speaking and 50% Afrikaans speaking
residents. The community has about 9000 residents. Fisantekraal has no formal entertainment
centres and residents mostly socialize at Shebeens or have to travel into town. Unemployment
is rife in the community.
1.4.4 Athlone
Athlone is a suburb of Cape Town located on the Cape Flats. There are approximately 11,556
households and 45,056 people residing in the suburb. The racial makeup of the suburb is
predominantly coloured. 82.58% of the population speak English, 15.18% speak Afrikaans,
3
1.13% speak Xhosa, and 0.52% speak another African language and 0.59%. The is an old
community in the Western Cape rich in diversity.
1.5 Collaboration of Research Partners
1.5.1 H.O.P.E. Africa
Health, Opportunity, partnership and Empowerment in Africa (HOPE Africa), a nongovernmental organisation within civil society, is an important partner in social development in
South Africa. HOPE Africa is a registered NGO in South Africa. It has been in operation for 13
years as one of the social development outreach programmes of the Anglican Church of
Southern Africa. The organisation focusses on the needs of disadvantages and vulnerable
communities and groups in Southern Africa. The main objective of the organisation is to
improve the lives of individuals in society who are considered impoverished or marginalised.
While the aims and objectives of HOPE Africa are motivated and driven by the Church the
beneficiaries of HOPE Africa programmes are based on need and circumstance and not race,
religion, gender or age. In 2009 to 2012 HOPE Africa successfully implemented a STOP Human
Trafficking Campaign in Southern Africa. The main activities included awareness raising, training
of community facilitators, workshops, research and facilitation of information sharing. Based on
HOPE Africa experience on working on HIV and AIDS infected and affected people in Southern
Africa, the affected people often report sexual violence as the main driver of HIV.
1.5.2 Diocese of False Bay
The Diocese of False Bay Social Development Department is led by Bishop Margaret Vertue The
bishop is the liaison bishop for gender in the province. The Gender Programme, specifically
sexual and domestic violence has been a priority area for the diocese for many years. The
Tamar programme was initiated by the diocese during which time empowerment groups were
formed in parishes. The diocese was the first in ACSA to commission a full time staff person to
Gender in 2009. Annually the diocese arranges a Men’s March against Gender Based Violence
in communities. The diocese also has a specific project in a parish that addresses the sexual
abuse of children. The death of Anene Booysens and others, saw Bishop Margaret respond
immediately with providing spiritual support and counselling to families. The Anglican Church
rallied with other churches in the community to have a petition signed, NOT IN MY NAME!
Masculinity projects, Parenting Workshops, Sexuality Workshops, and Family Counselling etc.
are activities within the Department of Social Development Gender Programme to address the
issue of gender-based violence.
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1.5.3 Tearfund
Tearfund South Africa is a Durban based Non-Profit Organization (NPO), which is a branch of
Tearfund UK; a UK based international NGO working across 60 countries globally. Tearfund SA is
a relatively new organization, set up to accompany and strengthen local partnerships and
collaborations in South Africa, with a specific focus on mobilizing the church. Tearfund UK has a
long-term commitment to working with Churches globally with a vision to empower and enable
them to address issues to poverty and justice. Since 2010, Tearfund UK has been involved in
building national and global movements of faith that have a vision to end sexual violence.
1.5.4 Survivor Community
Little is known currently regarding the experience and needs of survivors globally, and
specifically in the South African context. What is known cannot be measured or derived from
documented empirical findings in most cases, but rather to anecdotal reports from providers
and survivors. It is hoped that the this research will generate greater understanding of survivors
experiences and needs. In allowing an open forum for survivors’ voices to be heard the
resultant outcome would be empowerment for individual survivors; and engagement in a
survivor led focus for policy development and interventions. Ultimately, the establishment of a
survivor movement based on the findings of this research generated by the voices of survivors
will shape and align approaches for prevention and intervention for sexual violence. Not only
will silent voices be heard, but also through survivor involvement, previous research recognises
the healing and restoration that follows.
1.5.5 Civil Society
Engaging survivors in a movement to strategize and express experiences and needs will create a
forum that will inform civil society to respond. The response of civil society to the knowledge
and understanding gained through a survivor movement will allow for survivor sensitive and
specific programmes or interventions. Planning and strategizing done at policy level will no
longer lack insight, but will be well informed and strategic as advocated by survivors.
1.5.6 We Will Speak Out
We Will Speak Out (WWSO) is a global coalition of Christian-based NGOs, churches and
organizations, supported by an alliance of technical partners and individuals who together
commit themselves to see the end of sexual violence across communities around the world.
The WWSO coalition is committed to empowering women and girls, to transforming
relationships between women and men, and to ensuring that the voices of survivors of sexual
violence – women, girls, men and boys – are central to their work.
5
In partnership with the Anglican Communion and UNAIDS, Tearfund SA have launched a
coalition called ‘We will speak out’. (www.wewillspeakout.org) to date, the coalition has 17
members.
1.6 Conclusion
This chapter has highlighted the purpose of the research; research objectives and questions.
Often rape statistics do not provide real life situation and experiences of sexual violence, who,
are mostly women and young girls. This research is significant because it provides and creates
more awareness to enable voices of survivors to be heard. The voices of survivors and their
shared experiences and recommendations, which to date have been lacking, will be utilized by
Tearfund and HOPE Africa to mobilize and strengthen programmatic interventions and policies.
6
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter will provide definition of sexual violence as well as definition that have been
provided by the survivors of sexual violence in Africa and South Africa. The chapter will look at
the brief background of sexual violence in South Africa and in the Western Cape in order
provide a context for the research. The previous research findings on survivors of sexual
violence are also presented; especially the impact sexual violence has on survivors. The drivers
for sexual violence and factors that contribute towards being at risk of becoming a sexual
violence perpetrator are outlined. Theoretical framework that provides a critical exploration of
the narratives will presented and the chapter is concluded with the Anene Booysens case study.
2.1 Definition of sexual violence
In South Africa, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2007
(Act No. 32 of 2007; also referred to as Sexual Offences Act) created the offence of sexual
assault replacing a common law offence of indecent assault. Sexual Violence is a broad term
that encompasses a wide range of violation of sexual in nature like the following: rape,
attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, groping and domestic violence. Sexual
violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone’s will. The World Health
Organization (WHO) Report on Violence and Health1 defines sexual violence as:
“Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or
acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any
person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited
to home and work. Coercion can cover a whole spectrum of degrees of force. Apart from
physical force, it may involve psychological intimidation, blackmail or other threats – for
instance, the threat of physical harm, of being dismissed from a job or of not obtaining a job
that is sought. It may also occur when the person aggressed is unable to give consent – for
instance, while drunk, drugged, asleep or mentally incapable of understanding the situation.
Sexual violence includes rape, defined as physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration
– even if slight – of the vulva or anus, using a penis, other body parts or an object. The
attempt to do so is known as attempted rape….Sexual violence can include other forms of
assault involving a sexual organ, including coerced contact between the mouth and penis,
vulva or anus.”
1
World Health Organization report on violence and health (2002). Edited by Etienne G. Krug, Linda L. Dahlberg, James A. Mercy,
Anthony B. Zwi and Rafael Lozano
7
A sexual violence survivor mapping research conducted in 2013 in KwaZulu Natal by Curran,
Zengele and Mukamana (2013)2, explored survivors understanding and definition of sexual
violence. The central themes that emerged as defining and describing sexual violence were
Force, personal violation, cyclical in nature and a loss of control. The above-mentioned
definition by the survivors clearly illustrates the cyclical nature of the sexual violence and
impact of sexual violence has on survivor that are totally lacking from the WHO definition of the
sexual violence.
2.2 Background on sexual violence in South Africa and Western Cape
South Africa is rated as the highly violent country in the whole world, one in every four women
or 25% of women are assaulted by their intimate partner every week.3 The violent nature of our
society is of great concern and this is not only about rape, but the brutality and extreme
violence that accompanies the crime. According to Joan Van Niekerk, a social worker and CEO
of Childline SA, “The criminal justice system remains badly broken when it is South Africa needs
to ensure that beyond the outrage of the moment must secure the deep structural change
requires across both society and the justice system to bring an end to the horror that shames all
South Africans”
In February 2011 in South Africa, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women in its concluding remarks expressed concern for “the high prevalence of sexual violence
and widespread domestic violence. It also expressed concern at the high levels of impunity,
violence as a social norm and the culture of silence around reporting rape and domestic
violence”.4
The committee linked the above concern to the “low levels of prosecution and conviction and
the latitude employed by some police officers. The committee felt there was a lack of
information about programmes in place to reduce incidents of violence against women and
girls and a lack of social support services. It also raised the concern that women and girls are
disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS”.5
2
Curran,R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence: A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
3
4
MRC research (2009) – quoted in Mail Guardian Editorial “Face facts, rape affect us all/opinion/ED”) study report
http://sim.law.uu.nl/SIM/CaseLaw/uncom.nsf/804bb175b68baaf7c125667f004cb333/2e7668a2a88d73f4c12578330034b948?
OpenDocument, accessed and downloaded on 20140828
5
http://sim.law.uu.nl/SIM/CaseLaw/uncom.nsf/804bb175b68baaf7c125667f004cb333/2e7668a2a88d73f4c12578330034b948?
OpenDocument, accessed and downloaded on 20140828
8
Even though many incidences of sexual violence and rape go underreported, Police crime
statistics provide an indication on the prevalence on sexual violence in South Africa and in
Western Cape, according to the crime statistics released in September 2012, for the period of
2011/2012 there were a total of 9 193 sexual offences reported to the South African Police
Services (SAPS) in the Western Cape This translates into just under 27 cases per day6 In total,
64 514 sexual offences were reported countrywide for that period. During 2012/2013,
reporting period 66 387 sexual violence cases were reported showing 2.9% increase.
As discussed that not all sexual violence cases are being reported, some studies estimate that if
all rapes were reported, the figures could be as high as 84 000 for the Western Cape province
and just over 500 000 for the country7.
Following extracts from Violence-Against-Women-South-Africa-Fact-Sheet8 provide estimations
of the prevalence of sexual violence in Western Cape:
•
A research of 1 394 men working for three Cape Town municipalities found that
approximately 44% of these men were willing to admit to the researchers that they
abused their female partners. Approximately 15.3% of these men reported perpetrating
sexual violence against their partners in the last 10 years (Abrahams, Jewkes and
Laubsher, 1999)
•
In a Medical Research Council research of 544 adolescents in Cape Town, 191 of whom
were pregnant, it was found that 32% of those that were pregnant and 18% of those
that were not, experienced their first sexual encounter as forced. Those whose first
sexual encounter was forced were 14 times more likely to have a teenage pregnancy
(Jewkes et al., 2001).
2.3 The drivers of sexual violence
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9 and the State University of New
Jersey10 amongst other research institutions there are variety of individual, relational,
6&7
7
http://rapecrisis.org.za/rape-in-south-africa/ accessed and downloaded on 20140828
http://www.tlac.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Violence-Against-Women-South-Africa-Fact-Sheet.pdf Downloaded on
20140828
8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/riskprotectivefactors.html, accessed on 20140828
9
State University of New Jersey, http://vpva.rutgers.edu/information/sexual-violence/contributing-factors, accessed on
20140828
9
community, and societal factors that have been identified as contributing to the risk of
becoming a perpetrator of sexual violence. However, not all that are identified as at risk
become sexual violence perpetrators.
Individual
Relational
•
•
•
•
•
•
Alcohol and drug use
Coercive sexual fantasies
Impulsive and antisocial tendencies
Preference for impersonal sex
Hostility towards women
Childhood history of sexual and
physical abuse
• Witnessed family violence as a child
• Association with sexually aggressive and
delinquent peers
• Family environment characterized by
physical violence and few resources
• Strong patriarchal relationship or familial
environment
• Emotionally
unsupportive
familial
environment
Community
Societal
• Lack of employment opportunities
• Lack of institutional support from
police and judicial system
• General tolerance of sexual violence
within the community
• Weak community sanctions against
sexual violence perpetrators
• Belief that a victim somehow "asked
for it" by the way s/he behaves,
dresses or lives
• Societal norms that support sexual
violence
• Societal norms that support male
superiority and sexual entitlement
• Societal norms that maintain women's
inferiority and sexual submissiveness
• Weak laws and policies related to
gender equity
• High tolerance levels of crime and other
forms of violence
Another contributing factor on individual level towards of being at risk of becoming a
perpetrator, was found in Curran, Zengele and Mukamana (2013)11 research in South Africa was
perpetrator’s inability to control emotions of anger, lust, greediness and/or power.
2.4 Impact of sexual violence on survivors
Each individual experiences the impact of violence in different and personal ways. Curran,
Zengele and Mukamana (2013)12 explored the impact of sexual violence in survivors in KwaZulu
Natal. The impact of sexual violence seems to be multi-faceted and crippling; “affecting every
facet of their lives, from physical health, to character changes, emotional debilitation, distortion
of sexuality and inability to complete school/college. For some the trauma has affected
11&12
Curran, R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence: A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence
in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
10
participants physically, and for some they have noticed change in their natures, from being
quiet and subdued to wild and uncaring”. On the other hand, some survivors reported that they
had risen as strong women, motivated to overcome their trauma and help others.
As described above, sexual violence effects on each aspect of survivors lives in different and
personal ways. Curran, Zengele and Mukamana (2013) explored what survivors would need to
be healed and to start to heal. A consensus from all participants was that a safe forum,
acknowledgement, supportive systems and empowerment would help them in the process of
healing.
Above research also found out that a survivor movement; support groups, and similar
gatherings where voices could be heard and unity could be attained amongst survivors” is
needed. Recommended functions of the survivor movement should be to “facilitate healing,
foster solidarity and stop silence”.
2.5 Reasons for not speaking out
As described above, sexual violence effects on each aspect of survivors lives in different and
personal ways. Generally, survivors of sexual violence are silent and do not easily share their
experiences or report the crime to the authorities due to several reasons. According to the
research conducted in KwaZulu Natal by Curran, Zengele and Mukamana (2013)13 the main
reasons why survivors remain silent are feelings of threat, fear, self-blame, failing systems and
lack of protection. Participants also reported staying silent in order to protect their families as
the perpetrator was/is a family member or relative.
2.6 Theoretical framework
Qualitative research investigates the experiences and needs of the survivors of sexual violence.
In order to critically explore the narratives, pay special focus on better understanding of the
needs, challenges and experiences of the survivors of sexual violence two main theoretical
frameworks were chosen; namely a critical theory paradigm and gender sensitive multi-sectoral
approach as advocated by Musa Dube
2.6.1 A critical theory paradigm
A critical theory paradigm is considered appropriate in this research due to its approach of
criticizing society for their respective economic, conscience and gender perspectives, which
pervade and fuel sexual violence. Critical theory recognizes ontologically that over time, a
13
Curran,R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence: A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
11
practice or belief, shaped by social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic and gender factors,
becomes accepted, uncritically, as the truth. This ‘reality’ may confine, oppress or perpetuate
inequality. This is seen as the driving force to the surge of sexual violence globally.
In order to address this, the epistemology of this paradigm, is for the researchers to interact
with those targeted in the research. They are regarded as objects - not passive targets of
research methods but active participants in the process of gaining insight into their situation for
the purpose of changing oppressive elements or structures. The approach emphasizes the
centrality of the researcher’s self-awareness as his/her beliefs and views fundamentally
influence the research process and outcome. What can be known depends on the transaction
between the researcher and the participants and is thus ‘value-mediated’.
2.6.2 Gender sensitive multi-sectoral approach
Musa Dube (2004:3) advocates for a gender sensitive multi-sectoral approach as a tool of
theological engagement in the readings of the Bible. Dube (2004) focuses on HIV and AIDS and
focuses on ‘Grant me Justice’ Luke 18: 1-8 reading in order to illustrate gender sensitive
approach to Bible research.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow, Luke 18:1-8 New International Version
18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not
give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what
people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea,
‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
4
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or
care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets
justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
6
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice
for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell
you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will
he find faith on the earth?”
Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com
12
Although this mapping process is targeting the needs of the survivors of sexual violence there is
a thin line between being a survivor of rape and a survivor of HIV. In most cases women living
with HIV have shared incidents of sexual violence as reasons for their infection with HIV. Also
according to a survey14 conducted among 1,366 South African women showed that “women
who were beaten by their partners were 48% more likely to be infected with HIV than those
who were not”. This mapping process attempts to identify the needs of survivors of sexual
violence who share similar life challenges as with survivors of HIV and AIDS. For that reason,
sexual violence as well as HIV and AIDS are considered as a social justice issue as theologically
argued by Dube (2004).
2.6.3 Post-colonial and feminist perspectives
Post-colonial and feminist perspectives as well as liberation theology also encourage the
reading of the Bible and engagement with the text for social liberation and transformation
(Dube, 2004:116). Issues of gender, class, race, and ethnicity, feminist and other categories of
analysis cut across the post-colonial, feminist and sexual violence paradigms. Sexual violence is
not a new phenomenon it has its traces in the past, during war times rape was used as a
weapon of undermining the opponents and it was also used to signal defeat. The defeated side
will have their homes raided by their opponents who would rape their girls and wives. Massive
rapes were seen as a sign of no protection for women. The post-colonial perspective will place
rape in the historical or colonial past level that is seldom revisit the present context at random.
This historical perspective assists to position the common occurrences of rape in the war-zone
areas. Unfortunately, rape still shows its ugly head in our countries even when there is no war.
This is the most painful emotional pain a woman can handle for it is commonly done by
someone very close and trusted although in some cases it is often done by a stranger and it
often a near death experience. Whilst it is true that there has been cases where women and
girls had to die, like for an example the case study of Anene Booysens. The feminist angle
allows us to analyze the position of women in the context of oppression. It is central in
searching for an understanding oppression and searching for liberation. Because it deals with
gender and wrestles with the position of both man and woman in society. This becomes very
crucial in dealing with sexual violence and its impact on women who are often vulnerable.
2.7 Role of church in responding to sexual violence
In the past the stigma of HIV and AIDS was often associated with punishment from God and this
placed a harsh judgment on those infected and the fact that there is no cure for AIDS his
exacerbates the stigma and curse. This has made it difficult for churches to make a valuable
14
Dunkle, et al. (2004) as cited in http://www.tlac.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Violence-Against-Women-South-Africa-
Fact-Sheet.pdf Accessed and downloaded on 20140828
13
response. The Bible deals with rape in a way that protects the perpetrator, for instance
Deuteronomy 22:28-29 commands a rape victim to marry her rapist. These are deep rooted
reasons that needed to be challenged through theology of liberation that demanded a new
look at breaking down the chains of oppression and seek justice for all who are created on the
image of God. In order for the church to carry out its integral mission in the communities, the
church needs to get have a role in dealing with social injustices such as sexual violence in our
society.
Based on the previous research on what survivors of sexual violence would need in order to
heal is to feel supported so that they can speak out against injustices that they face as survivors
of sexual violence15. Dube’s (2004) gender sensitive multi-sectorial approach provides the
church a framework on how to look at ways in which it could respond to this life-threatening
situation on social justice level.
It is for this reason that the theological tools were chosen to bring more light into what could
be the agency of engaging in the mapping process. Choosing this theological tools to analyse
mapping process allows the researcher to probe deeper into why should the church be involved
in the plight for survivors of sexual violence. Taking seriously the challenge posed by seeking
gender justice, the churches need to be at the centre and in a multi-sectorial manner engage
directly with survivors. It is time to speak out!
2.8 Case study of Anene Booysens
The year 201316 began with an alarming report of the brutal gang-rape and murder of a
seventeen year old girl by the name of Anene Booysens in Bredarsdorp. According to the media
reports17 her body was badly mutilated and her intestines spilled on the dirt isolated industrial
area, on Saturday evening. She named one of the men that raped her as her ex-boyfriend, a
twenty two year old man who was later arrested and was to appear in court on the following
week in Bredarsdorp magistrate court. This incident send shock waves throughout South
Africa.
Very little is known about Anene Booysens, only that she was a teen age girl in her seventeen
years and had gone through difficult life circumstances in a very early days of her life. She was
only seven years old when she felt the deepest pain of losing a mother. She only had one
decade to live and shortly after that she was brutally gang-raped and killed in February 2013 in
15
Curran,R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence: A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
16
SAPA 7.February.2013 Mail&Guardian
17
Die Burger newspaper 07/02/2013
14
a deserted industrial area in Bredarsdorp in the Western Cape. Anene is a constant reminder of
the lives of survivors of sexual violence who remain unknown until the struggle and in solidarity
we are able to support them and in a survivor movement we will be able to hear their voices. It
is time to act and we will speak out …silent no more!
The government expressed its outrage at the crime: ‘It is worrying that rape and abuse seems
to have become a norm. This will not be allowed to continue’ this was uttered by acting Chief
Executive Officer of the Government Communication and Information Systems, Phumla
Williams. She further emphasized that the society needs to change their mind-set about the
dignity to life and respect for each other. Those who molest and abuse children have no place
in a democratic South Africa18. Booysens case managed to raise condemnation from the
president Jacob Zuma who clearly mentioned that this was shocking, cruel and inhumane. He
sternly demanded that courts need to impose the harshest sentences for sexual crimes. Anene
Booysens’ story is just one story amongst others. It is against this context that this research
takes place in the Western Cape.
2.9 Conclusion
This chapter provided definitions of sexual violence and briefly looked at the prevalence of
sexual violence in South Africa and in Western Cape. Previous research findings on survivors of
sexual violence were also presented; especially the impact sexual violence has on survivors.
The drivers for sexual violence and factors that contribute towards being at risk of becoming a
sexual violence perpetrator were outlined. Theoretical frameworks were introduced, the role of
church on sexual violence was discussed, and the chapter was concluded with the Anene
Booysens case study.
18
SAPA report
15
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
This research employed a qualitative research approach to explore the experiences and needs
of survivors. This chapter therefore discusses the research design; sampling technique and
ethical considerations. Because of the research being on sensitive topic, data was managed
with care and in compliance with research standards. Therefore, the chapter will also cover
how data was managed throughout the research. This chapter will later conclude by
highlighting the limitations of this research.
3.1 Research Design
In order to explore the experiences and needs of survivors of sexual violence, a qualitative
research approach was chosen. With this approach, an in-depth understanding of the depth
and breadth of sexual violence on individual lives can be elicited. The qualitative approach takes
its point of departure as the insider’s viewpoint on a social issue or condition in question with
the goal of both describing and understanding the participants’ views (Babbie and Mouton,
2001). That is, interviews, especially in-depth ones attempt to understand the world from a
glance of the participant (Greef, 2011). In the qualitative approach, the most frequent form of
data collection is basic individual interviews with the research participants (Babbie and Mouton,
2001). Heath et al (2009) submit that in-depth interviews provide a platform to individuals or a
certain group to express their views and experience about the topic in question, whilst other
data collection methods such as questionnaires do not provide such a platform. Babbie and
Mouton (2001:289) argue that “an open interview allows the object of research an opportunity
to speak for him/her/itself rather than to provide our respondent with a battery of our
predetermined hypothesis-based questions.”
Further, the qualitative design encourages rapport-building with the respondent by allowing
interaction between the respondent and interviewer. It therefore builds some level trust and
thereby increases chances of gathering fair and genuine responses from the research
participants (Babbie and Mouton, 2001). Thus, the respondents tend to become more
comfortable and likely to speak more openly about a particular research issue. It is ideal or
expected that the respondent will do most of the talking whilst the researcher does most of the
listening (Babbie and Mouton, 2001). The qualitative interview has a plan of inquiry and not
necessarily a specific set of questions that should be asked in a certain order or sequence
(Babbie and Mouton, 2001).
16
Babbie and Mouton (2001) further maintain that with the qualitative paradigms, the aim is to
understand social action or condition within a certain context other than generalizing on a
theoretical aspect of the population. The in-depth interviews allow the researcher to probe as
he/she is seen as the main instrument in the whole research process. In this research, the
research team was able to ask the questions on issues that were not clear or where he felt that
there was need to probe for more information. The qualitative interviewing is characterized by
being flexible, interactive and continuous and they are the most frequent method of data
collection (Herbet and Rubin, 2000).
Further, Babbie and Mouton (2001) argue that instead of asking respondents to read
questionnaires and enter their own answers, researchers or interviewers ask the questions
orally and record responses from the research participants. De Vos (1998) highlight that
qualitative researcher is concerned with understanding rather than explanation. “…the
qualitative researcher embarks on a voyage of discovery rather than one of verification, so that
his or her research is likely to stimulate new leads and avenues of research that the quantitative
research is unlikely to hit upon” (De Vos, 2001: 244).
Babbie and Mouton (2001) submit that a research design is a structured framework of how the
researcher intends to conduct the research process in order to solve the research problem.
Focus group discussion design was employed in this qualitative approach. Focus group designs
emphasize the perceptions of the participants and are found to be more sensitive to culture
and empowering in comparison to other traditional methods. This design elicits a synergistic
effect that is not possible through individual interviews and is due to the conversational process
of focus groups, participants react to each other and unique data or ideas are developed.
A focus group design is therefore applicable to the research purpose and will allow group
participants’ individual and unique understandings of experiences of sexual violence to be
heard. This understanding of how survivors regard their experiences will be collated to
generate an overall view of sexual violence impact on individuals; and determine measures that
are needed to support survivors and promote a movement against the atrocities of sexual
violence.
According to Kitzinger (1995) focus groups are a form of group interview that capitalises on
communication between research participants in order to generate data. Although group
interviews are often used simply as a quick and convenient way to collect data from several
17
people simultaneously, focus groups explicitly use group interaction as part of the method. This
means that instead of the researcher asking each person to respond to a question in turn,
people are encouraged to talk to one another: asking questions, exchanging anecdotes and
commenting on each other's experiences and points of view. The method is particularly useful
for exploring people's knowledge and experiences and can be used to examine not only what
people think but how they think and why they think that way. Kitzinger (1995) further
maintains that focus groups were originally used within communication studies to explore the
effects of films and television programmes, and are a popular method for assessing health
education messages and examining public understandings of illness and of health behaviours.
They are widely used to examine people's experiences of disease and of health services and are
an effective technique for exploring the attitudes and needs of staff.
3.2 Data Analysis
Data analysis involves reducing and synthesizing the massive volume of raw data and
identifying key findings in order to develop a structure or framework to disseminate and
communicate the significance of the research discovery (Patton, 2002). The first step for
processing the primary data in this research was transcribing the audios verbatim. This involved
the process of listening to the recorded interviews and typing them as they were. The
advantage of transcribing is that it provides the researcher with an opportunity to engage and
interact with the data at first hand to get the general sense (De Vos, 2002).
After transcribing, the research team verified the data by taking the transcripts back to the
focus group, reading the relevant transcripts to focus groups. During the data verification
process the participants had an opportunity to make corrections to the recordings if necessary.
Participants were also given an opportunity to withdraw from the research process if they
wanted to. None of the participants withdrew from the research.
After that, the research team adopted Tesch’s (1990:154-156 as cited in De Vos, 2002)
approach of analyzing data that was informed by the semi structured interview schedule. Data
analysis steps included following:
Step 1: The research team got a sense of the whole findings by reading through all of
the transcripts carefully. Then the team wrote down some ideas as they come to mind;
18
Step 2: The research team selected one interview, the most interesting and thought
about the underlying meaning in the information in relation to the response of the
participant towards the research objectives. The research team then wrote thoughts
that came up in the margin;
Step 3: The research team studied the transcripts and identified the themes that
emerged;
Step 4: The research team took the list and returned to the data. The team utilized
those themes for analysis;
Step 5: The research team found the most descriptive wording for the topics that relate
to each other. The research team repeated Step 3 to put themes; categories and subcategories through viewing the interrelationship between categories;
Step 6: The research team made a final decision on the themes; categories; and subcategories that emerged;
Step 7: The research team assembled data into themes; categories and sub-categories
and the researcher performed preliminary analysis; and
Step 8: The research team compared themes with transcripts to check if there is any
data left out.
The research team provided analytical discussion by illustrating and interpreting the data.
Although criticized for subjectivity, this helped because the research team was fully involved in
every step of this process. Thematic analysis was used, in which for each group question, main
themes were summarized, including non-verbal cues. A concept map was derived from the
analysis and the findings were conceptualized to meet the objectives and proposed outcomes.
3.4 Sampling Framework
The research population for this research are survivors of domestic abuse, sexual crimes and
sex workers. The sampling frame was the population that is known to research partners. This
research employed a non-probability sampling technique, in other words purposive sampling
method to select survivors of sexual violence in the Western Cape Province. Also referred to as
19
judgemental sampling, this method allows the researcher to utilize his/her own judgement
when selecting a sample (Singleton et al, 1998).
Singleton et al (1998) submit that a sample that the researcher selects is composed of elements
which contain the most characteristic, representative or typical attributes of the population.
Babbie and Mouton (2001) submit that it is appropriate sometimes for the researchers to
choose and select their sample based on own discretion and knowledge of the population and
its elements.
Babbie and Mouton (2001) argue that one of the drawbacks with adoption of purposive
sampling technique is that the research findings are not representative of population. Tongco
(2007) submits that the inherent bias of the purposive sampling technique contributes, at the
same time to its efficiency because it stays more robust when tested against random
probability sampling technique. Also for the fact that the choice of purposive sampling is critical
and important to the quality of data that is being gathered and thus issues of reliability and
competence of the research participant has to be ensured, (Tongco, 2007). So in this research,
the research team used its own knowledge and judgment to select the participants in the
research.
Further, a sample is defined as an element or sub-set of the population that the researcher can
consider to include in the research (Arkava and Lane, 1998). Researching a sample helps to
understand the population from which the sample was drawn because assumption is that a
sample has features of the population. De Vos (1998) argues that sometimes it is not possible
to research all members of the population, so studying a sample is likely to even produce more
accurate and in-depth information as opposed to studying the entire population. One of the
advantages of studying a sample is that it saves time and reduces cost of having to research the
entire population, at the same time without necessarily compromising the quality of the data
collected.
Because of the sensitivity of the research, this research categorized the criteria for participation
in the research as follows:
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Women who are victims or survivors of sexual violence.
2. Willing to participate in focus group discussions/one on one interviews.
20
3. Above 16 years in age.
4. Considered by Tearfund partners to be suitable for the research and mentally,
emotionally and physically able to discuss experiences and needs.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Women with no experience of any form of sexual violence.
2. Women below 16 years of age.
There were four (4) survivors that were uncomfortable sharing information in a group setting,
and thereby requested that they rather do one-on-one interview with the research team. Focus
group and one on one interview can result in the onset of reliving trauma and have emotional
effect on the research participants. For that reason, the research team consisted a social
worker and counsellor who were able to provide professional support and appropriate referral
if needed.
3.5 Data Collection Process
One of the research partners, Diocese of False Bay, made appointments for the focus group and
one on one interviews. The appointments were set at the time that best suited the respondent.
The focus group discussions and interviews were conducted at the safe and quiet place
between May and July 2014.
3.5.1 Data Collection Instrument
A semi-structured interview schedule and information sheet (see Appendix A) was prepared to
guide the discussion with the research participants. De Vos (2000) maintains that semistructured interviews allow the researcher an opportunity to gain detailed idea or picture of the
respondents’ thought and perception about the topic in question. This tool (semi-structured
interview) served as a guideline for research team during the interviews.
The interview schedule was divided into six (6) sections starting off with the least sensitive to
the more detailed one. This first section was exploring survivor definition and understanding of
sexual violence. Second section focused on why survivors are afraid to report and talk about
sexual violence; the third section dealt with how sexual violence has affected survivors. The last
section covered what survivors need in order to heal and how they understand the role of the
church in dealing with sexual violence. Questions were broken from complex to simple and in
order to obtain rich data; most questions had sub-questions, which were used to probe.
21
3.5.2 Interviews and Focus Group Discussions
Primary data was collected through conducting focus group discussion and interviews with the
selected participants in the Western Cape Province. Conducting focus group discussions and
interviews at the safe place enabled respondents to talk freely and openly in the discussions.
The research team built rapport with the respondents to make them feel relaxed. All focus
group discussions and interviews were conducted in the language that respondents were
comfortable which were isiXhosa; Afrikaans and English. The research team was capacitated
with social science research skills, social work skills and counselling skills so the team was able
to professionally listen and be silent during the focus group discussions and interviews. The
research team was present on one-on-one interviews and focus group session. Depending on
the language requirements of respondents, one of the research team was moderating the
discussion, one was taking notes on verbal and nonverbal communication and one was
observing. The response rate was therefore 100% as the research team was able to interview
the selected respondents. During the data verification process, none of the research
participants withdrew from the research.
3.5.3 Data Collection Apparatus
Nyapisi (2013) argues that because the researcher could not write notes, listen to the
respondent and lead the interview at the same time, a dicta-phone or voice recorder become
important as it captures the interview verbatim without missing any information. So in this
research, a dicta phone was used to record both interviews and focus group discussions.
Permission for using this instrument was sought from the respondents. De Vos (2002) argues
that the advantage of a voice recorder is that it allows full capturing of conversation and data
during the interview process.
Further, a tape recorder allows a much fuller record as compared to notes taken during the
interview (Babbie and Mouton, 2001). And this allowed the researcher to concentrate on the
proceeding and leading of the interview. De Vos (2005:298) argue that “the research
participant should always have the right to ask for the tape after the interview if he/she would
like to have it.” One of the disadvantages of recording is that the respondent may neither be
happy nor comfortable with being recorded and as such may even withdraw from the research
(De Vos, 2005). The respondents did not have any objections with the interviews being
recorded.
22
3.6 Ethical Considerations
Nyapisi (2013) maintains that in social science research, human beings are objects of the
research. This brings its own ethical issues to the fore which is less likely the case in physical or
natural sciences that use clinical laboratory settings in most cases (Strydom, 2000). Babbie and
Mouton (2001) argue that in conducting a social science research, the researcher needs to be
aware of what researchers generally agreed on as proper conduct of social inquiry. So, for this
research, the research team had to adhere to ethical requirements as specified by the Medical
Research Council of South Africa (2003) which were fundamental to the research included the
following:
3.6.1 Voluntary Participation
In conducting social science research, participation of the research subjects disrupts them from
their normal or regular activities. Thus, the research team requested a portion of their time to
participate in this research. “A major tenet of medical research ethics is that experimental
participation must be voluntary. The same norm applies to social research. No one should be
forced to participate” (Babbie and Mouton, 2001:521). The research team therefore made it
clear to the respondents that while their participation in this research was pivotal, it was
voluntary and they were free to withdraw their participation at any time. The research team
also informed the respondents that they had a right not to answer certain questions if they felt
so.
On the other hand, Babbie and Mouton (2001) maintain that although the voluntary
participation norm is crucial, it is often impossible to follow it especially in cases where the
researcher feels ultimately justified to violate it. So, it was important for the research team to
observe other ethical principles of social scientific research. The research team informed the
respondents on the informed consent (see Appendix B attached).
3.6.2 No harm to the participants
The nature of this research was neither harmful nor exposing the respondents to any kind of
threat to their lives. Ensuring that no harm happens to research participants is very crucial in
any kind of social science research. Babbie and Mouton (2001) argue that social research should
never cause injury to the research participants, regardless of whether they have volunteered to
take part in the research or not. And in a case where respondents can be psychologically
harmed in the research, the researcher has to get assistance for such research participants and
guard against such harms (Babbie and Mouton, 2001). In this research, research partners
23
arranged for referrals in cases where participants would need psychological support, a
counselor/social worker was a part of the research team and on stand-by in case of need.
Further, Strydom (2000) submits that respondents should be informed in good time about the
potential impact of the research if any, so that they will be at liberty to decide whether to
participate in the research or not. This could be one way through which possible harm to
respondents could be avoided. Thus, the respondents can make their own assessment
judgment based on the nature of the research and then decide whether to take part or
withdraw from the research. In this research, therefore, there was no harm to respondents or
any kind of threat that exposed their lives to danger
On the other hand, Babbie and Mouton (2001) warn that, the same principles of voluntary
participation and ensuring no harm to respondents is easy in theory yet very difficult on the
practical side in most cases if the research is sensitive or research participants are vulnerable
groups such as children, the aged, mentally handicapped individuals, and prisoners.
3.6.3 Anonymity and Confidentiality
Protecting the identity of the respondents or institutions they represent is very significant in
social research. “If revealing their survey responses would injure them in any way, adherence to
this becomes more important” (Babbie and Mouton, 2001:523). The two techniques of
anonymity and confidentiality become crucial in this regard. The respondents were assured that
neither their names nor those of their organisations would appear in the research report. That
meant that the research team kept the collected raw data anonymous and confidential as none
of their responses were linked to their names or place of safety. So, this makes both anonymity
and confidentiality very important and close to one another. The right to anonymity was
respected. The interviews were held in a private space and only the research team and
participants were present.
The participants were also aware that data was going to be
safeguarded and stored privately and only accessed by the research team.
3.6.4 Reporting of Findings
In the same way, the research team was ethically bound to the entire scientific community to
report the results and findings, as they were (Babbie and Mouton, 2001). The research team
was more familiar than anyone was to the limitations and shortcomings of this research, so the
research team highlighted them in this research report. Researchers should “strive to maintain
objectivity and integrity in the conduct of scientific research” (Babbie and Mouton, 2001:526).
That is, the research team in this research was ethically responsible to report the research
24
correctly without deceiving or misleading anyone with the findings (Strydom, 2000). The
research team had to comply with the social science research ethics. The research team had to
ensure that reporting of the research report was accurate, objective, clear and unambiguous
and most importantly, highlighted the important data and findings of the research itself
(Strydom, 2000). In this research, the research team used the codes assigned to each transcript
to report this research. Shortcomings, drawbacks and errors that occurred in the research
process of this research were admitted
3.7 Trustworthiness
In order to ensure the findings of this qualitative research are applicable to other settings the
following are considered for trustworthiness: transferability, dependability and conformability.
3.7.1 Credibility
Credibility refers to ensuring that the description of the reality explored is accurately conveyed.
Credibility will be achieved in the research through the use of rich descriptions and where
possible, the participant’s words to allow them to speak for themselves. In addition ensuring
partners assisted in the analysis of data will further establish credibility. This was done by
member checking. Member checking was conducted by contacting partners in order to confirm
that the emerged themes were consistent with data generated. In so doing, the research team
ensured that the emerging themes of the reality are true to survivors. The research team also
conducted data verification process in which the transcripts were read back to the participants
for them to approve the recordings.
3.7.2 Transferability
Transferability pertains to the relevance of the research results to other situations. To ensure
transferability in this research, the research team provided thick, rich descriptions of the data
collection process and analysis. Through describing the context explicitly, the reader can judge
for themselves the applicability of the research findings to their own context.
3.7.3 Dependability
Dependability in research measures how closely researchers with the similar levels of
experience would make the same observations of the phenomenon. Results from dependable
studies should be consistent with different studies done by different researchers. In this
research, dependability was achieved by using an audit trail to show the data gathered and the
methods used. An audit trail was a transparent description of research steps taken from the
start of the research steps to the development and reporting of findings. Another researcher
25
should be able to use the data obtained in the research to confirm the conclusions made by the
principal researcher.
3.7.4 Confirmability
Confirmability refers to whether two researchers are able to assess the data independently and
agree on the final results of the data analysis. For this research an audit trail was used to
ensure confirmability of the research and to promote neutrality. The main component of
confirmability is neutrality. Neutrality denotes that the results should not be dependent on the
researcher but on the participants.
3.8 Data management
Hard copies of all transcripts and participants details are kept in a secure place by Tearfund.
This data will remain stored for 2 years upon conclusion of the research. The research team
had signed a confidentiality agreement with Tearfund prior to their involvement in this
research. The research team will store all electronic data on a password protected personal
computer that only the research team has access to. In addition no names or personal
information appeared on any transcripts. Further, each type-written transcript of this research
was given or assigned a code. WinZip was used to protect the audios and they were saved on
Tearfund’s computer password-protected computer and external hard-drive. Also, the wordtyped transcripts were saved safely on the researcher’s computer and all the raw data was
shared with the research team. Mouton (2001) submits it is important to keep information
from the research participants confidential although it has no legal protection.
3.8 Limitations of the Research
The study was a qualitative research, which means there were limitations that the researchers
cannot control. The fact that this is an interpretative study which means it depended on the
interpretation given and perceived by the participants. The study delimitations was to go
straight to women who had gone through sexual violence. Already by doing this the researchers
were taking a bias stand with the survivors of sexual violence. This population sample was
purposefully chosen to enable the researcher to qualitatively collect data from lived
experiences of survivors to capture their experiences and allow them to be descriptive as much
as they were comfortable to do so and in a manner that was suitable for them at the time of
the focus group session. The focus group also had its limitations in that some participants may
have not find it comfortable to share their traumatic stories of rape in public and with people
they hardly know. The research team although made up of the local team they were not in the
same level in terms of relationship they were still perceived as strangers although ethical
26
conduct was conducted accordingly and the shared confidentiality clause was respected not all
participants shared and we were meeting for a limited time in different social and emotional
spaces and contexts. Those were feeling free to share them and those who were not ready
were not forced to participate. Although all the rules and explanation about the research were
done people are not the same there were those who in a different space and were unable to
share but they were present during the sessions. There were also those who wanted to be have
one on one interviews, not many participants were available because of time constraints. The
language was a limitation factor as people in Cape Town are more conversant in Afrikaans and
the different groups we had chosen was a representative of a wide variety of different racial
groups ranging from Coloured and Black community. We were unable to have a focus group of
white women and this need to be addressed in a future research study with full representative
of South African women across racial lines.
3.9 Conclusion
It is very important note that this was a beginning of a unique opportunity of allowing the
voices of women to be notices and taken seriously, as they shared about their needs, raising
awareness of the issues we often take for granted, and yet they are of greatest importance in
their lives. This research methodology gave both the researchers and the participants a safer
space to meet and share very intimate life experiences some did express that it was for the first
time to share their stories and they felt safe doing so. In this way, this was a learning process
that allowed the unfamiliar voices to hear and this is challenging a newer look at the well-being
of survivors as they remain invisible and overshadowed by the statistics and stigma. The
present campaign is forcing us to open up and embrace each other in our brokenness, without
fear
and
prejudice.
The
whole
experience
brought
into
reality
of
solidarity.
27
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS
Sixty-four (64) survivors of sexual violence participated in this qualitative research. This was in a
form of focus group discussion and in-depth one on one interviews with survivors. Data was
gathered in Western Cape in the areas of Khayelitsha; Fisantekraal; Bredarsdorp; and Athlone.
The size of the focus groups ranged between 3 and 22 participants with Khayelitsha being the
biggest focus group. The participants in the research varied demographically in age; race and
socio-economic status. Through the process of coding, categorizing and identification of
themes, the raw data of the voices of survivors were transformed into significant findings. This
chapter presents the findings of the research by aligning them with the research objectives.
4.1 Definition of sexual violence by survivors
In order to explore survivors understanding of sexual violence, research participants were asked
to share their understanding of sexual violence. The common themes that emerged from both
focus group discussions and in-depth interviews included sex by force, brutality, rape, and
transactional sex. Figure below illustrates the most commonly emerging themes in each
geographical area.
Based on the findings, survivors in Athlone and Fisantekraal did not define sexual violence as
having to have sex in order to get money for themselves or for the benefit of children that
mentioned in other communities. In addition to definitions above, especially in Khayelitsha
groups, definition of sexual violence included for example accusation of being unfaithful;
partner would be unfaithful in order to punish the survivor, or forcing the survivor to have
unprotected sex, using weapons and verbal insults.
Figure 1: Participants definition of sexual violence (n=4)
28
Above themes and figure are not explicitly showing the emotional reactions of the research
participants while sharing their views on sexual violence. The manner in which participants
shared their experiences was very emotional signalling how deeply wounded they were. In
some focus group interviews one person will speak non-stop telling her story of traumatic
sexual violence she had endured. The story will be told in a very detailed manner then this will
be accompanied by tears and the pain was felt by all listening would tell a long story and
unbearable stigma that comes with that. Furthermore, in most cases, as participants shared,
there is physical and verbal abuse before sexual violence.
Below are some of the direct quotes from participants in order to illustrate the themes.
“Husband selling you to another man,” (Group 1)
“When a man forces you to have sex without your consent, beats you,” (Group 2).
“Poverty causes us to be victims because we are forced to have sex to get money,” (Group 5)
“Domestic violence leads to sexual violence” (Group 5)
Findings of this research are in line with the Curran, Zengele and Mukamana (2013)19, findings
in terms of the way in which the participants described sexual violence; force and personal
violation. The current findings make a link between the domestic violence and sexual violence
that was not strongly evident in the Curran, Zengele and Mukamana (2013) findings.
Survivors understanding of sexual violence in this research is in line with the World Health
Organisation Report on Violence and Health20 that is given in Chapter 2.1.
4.2 The reason why survivors remain silent
Despite being sexually abused and harassed, victims and survivors have often remained silent.
Research participants gave varying responses on why they remain silent. Fear, financial
dependency, lack of trust, stigma and gossip, and family member being a perpetrator were
some of the reasons by survivors on why they remained silent. Two figures below illustrate the
most common ways in which participants in each area described reasons for not speaking out.
19
Curran,R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence, A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
20
World Health Organisation report on violence and health, 2002. Edited by Etienne G. Krug, Linda L. Dahlberg, James A.
Mercy, Anthony B. Zwi and Rafael Lozano
29
Figure 2: Reasons for not speaking out about SV (n=4)
Figure 3: Reasons for not speaking out about SV (n=4)
Furthermore, in two of the communities it was mentioned that sexual violence has become a
norm and culturally accepted behaviour and that makes it difficult for survivors to speak about
it. Below are some quotes from the participants that illustrate the reasons why it is difficult to
talk about sexual violence.
“Stigma and gossip…we are embarrassed as women that the whole Western Cape will know”
(Group 4)
“Perpetrator was a family member and don’t want to influence children’s opinion of their
relative…He now lives in the community. It angers me. I want to burn his hokkie down.”
(Group 4)
“Cultural dynamics: once you are married, you are expected to be with the man until you
die.”(Group2 )
“Hunger, unemployment, lack of place to live, you are depending on ARV treatment, you
need food because you cannot have treatment on an empty stomach.” (Group 2)
30
“Dependent financially upon perpetrator” (Group 2)
“No relatives or support system”(Group 2)
“I’m not going anywhere, I’m even prepared to die here.” (Group 2)
Findings of this research suggests that sexual violence it is not easy for survivors to speak about
sexual violence and in many communities sexual violence has become a norm or accepted
behaviour. Generally, survivors of sexual violence are silent and do not easily share their
experiences or report the crime to the authorities due to several reasons, such as fear, financial
dependency, lack of trust, stigma and gossip, and family member being a perpetrator. Curran,
Zengele and Mukamana (2013)21 research also found similar reasons why survivors do not
speak about the violence: Threat, fear, self-blame, failing systems and lack of protection and to
protect their families if the perpetrator was/is a family member or relative.
4.3 The effects of sexual violence in survivors lives
The research participants maintained that sexual violence has deeply affected in their lives, and
the experience will be with them forever.
Although participants’ responses differed, the bottom line was that sexual violence has a
negative impact on their lives even though some survivors have been able to use it as a way to
become stronger. Some of the effects of sexual violence as it emerged from the research
include fear, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, insecurity, trauma, not able to forgive and
mental health problems. Findings indicate that sexual violence affects survivors’ emotional and
physical wellbeing. Medical problems such as stroke and HIV and AIDS were reported. Even
more so, participants shared emotional issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, lack of
patience, lack of self-confidence, insecurity, feelings of being judged and feeing intimidated.
The figure below captures the most common themes that emerged from this research.
21
Curran,R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence, A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
31
Figure 4: Impact of sexual violence in survivors lives (n=4)
Findings of this research regarding the effects of sexual violence were similar to those in
Curran, Zengele' and Mukamana (2013)22 research that concluded that “the impact of sexual
violence seems to be multi-faceted and crippling, affecting every facet of their lives, from
physical health, to character changes, emotional debilitation, distortion of sexuality and
inability to complete school/college”.
Even though, Athlone focus group did not use the same vocabulary to describe the
consequences of sexual violence compared to the three other communities, consequences are
very similar. The group in Athlone used words such as being angry, feeling insecure, inability to
trust, having marriage problems and difficulty to start and maintain relationships. Another
theme that participants shared was the cycle of abuse; sexual violence has changed their
attitudes and behaviour towards their children; when feeling impatient, frustration is easy to
take out to the children.
One-research participants in which her child modelled perpetrator’s behaviour at home as
follows shared another illustration on the cycle of abuse and losing respect, of their children.
Her young son demands and shoves her around modelling what his father does to his mother
and further threatens his mother with shooting her with his father’s gun if she does do or give
him what he wants.
This suggest a serious damage occurring at an earlier stages of child-
development, this young boy is likely to treat girls in his future life in a similar fashion or even
worse than what he observed at home . This signals that experiences of sexual violence are
22
Curran, R., Zengele, B. and Mukamana, S. (2013), Breaking the silence, A needs assessment of survivors of sexual violence in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
32
intergenerational and are compounded by their lack of support to the women who remain in
destructive relationship under the guise of children, poverty and financial dependency
Below are some quotes from the participants that illustrate the consequences of sexual
violence.
“Abuse kills us inside” (Group 2)
“I thought I had dealt with my rape in prayer and counselling but the flash backs are and I
still relive the trauma…this is killing me” (Group 2)
‘Four guys raped me, two are in jail, two walk the streets” (Group 6)
“I started to use drugs, like “tic”, I still smoke “dagga” now and then. I do not want to lie
today. I can’t go on like this anymore” (Group 4)
“We are embarrassed to have other women know what happened to us. We are
embarrassed to have the whole Western Cape know about us. We are embarrassed that
our children will hear about it. But we are also too proud to expose ourselves”. (Group 4)
There are those participants that are still living with their perpetrators, mainly mature women
in long-term relationships where there are children involved. They openly shared how sexual
violence is part of their daily lives, mainly because of abusive relationships and for financial
dependency. Most of the women interviewed were unemployed and came to Cape Town to
look for better opportunity and employment. Unfortunately, what they were faced with is a
high rate of unemployment and putting up with dysfunctional relationships in order to have
food and shelter.
The most powerful observation was the level of awareness that research participants were in
abusive relationships but they expressed that their chances are limited, they have nowhere to
go. They shared their frustration and the more we were sharing it was the more they became
aware that they are trapped and all the abuse they are enduring is doing more harm than good
to them.
Majority of the participants knew their perpetrators who raped them repeatedly. The
perpetrators made the victim fear that if she broke the silence, they would kill her or her
children and that put her life in danger. These threats have resulted in some wanting to commit
suicide for they were carrying a huge burden with no support.
According to World Health Organisation the health consequences of sexual violence are
numerous and varied, and include physical and psychological effects, both in the short-term
33
and in the long-term. Most significantly perhaps, sexual abuse can have devastating long term
psychological effects, influencing and radically altering a person’s entire life course. Findings
suggest that the even though the experience of sexual violence has lifelong consequences,
survivors have an awareness of the consequences of sexual violence; participants were able to
identify emotional, spiritual and physical trauma of violence.
4.4 What survivors need to heal from sexual violence
In responding to what survivors would need in order to heal from sexual violence experience,
the most prominent theme was support; feeling of being loved, supported and on practical
level being able to access a support group. Figure below illustrates the above and other broad
themes that participants shared.
Figure 5: What would assist survivors to heal (n=4)
As mentioned above, receiving support and feeling of being loved was the most commonly
mentioned need for survivors to heal. Support theme includes feelings of being understood,
ability to share and speak out, sharing own experiences with people who have gone through
similar experiences, being able to share their problems and also being able to assist others who
need support.
In terms of professional and legal assistance to the survivors, participants shared that
assistance in navigating the court system would help and receiving counselling from ethical
professional/s would be helpful in the healing process. Regarding services, it was shared that it
would be helpful to have doctors who are trained in sexual trauma, social workers should be
ethical and specialized sexual crime units could be helpful.
34
Financial insecurity was one of the common reasons for survivors for not speaking out on
sexual violence. Participants shared that skills training, housing, jobs and just being able to
learn how to become self-sufficient would assist in the healing process.
In relation to that the participants thought that awareness campaigns and education on sexual
violence would assist in healing.
Other ways to heal were also being able to forgive themselves as well as perpetrator, love of
God and time. On the other hand, the findings also showed that nothing will take the
experience of sexual violence away, it will stay with survivors.
As described in previous paragraph above, sexual violence effects on each aspect of survivors
lives in different and personal ways. Curran, Zengele’ and Mukamana (2013) reported that a
safe forum, acknowledgement, supportive systems and empowerment would help survivors in
the process of healing. They also found out that a survivor movement; support groups, and a
similar gathering where voices could be heard and unity could be attained amongst survivors is
needed. Recommended functions of the survivor movement should be to facilitate healing,
foster solidarity and stop silence (Curran, Zengele’ and Mukamana, 2013).
4.5 Benefits of a survivor movement
The research explored benefits of survivor movement. The most common themes that came
out were support, providing a safe place, practical assistance and platform to raise awareness
on sexual violence and to empower survivors to speak out as illustrated in figure below.
Figure 6: Benefits of survivor movement (n=4)
35
Sentiment from group 6 well summarises the hoped for benefits of the of the survivor
movement:
“If we were to be the face of the campaign and they hear what we have to say, it would
help them to speak up”.
4.6 The role of the church in dealing with sexual violence
Focus group sessions explored the role of the church in sexual violence. The most commonly
emerging theme was that survivors do not currently see the church as safe place from where
they could receive support, prayers and help in their situations. Figure below illustrates most
common themes how survivors have experienced church when in need.
Figure 7: Current perceptions of the role of the church in sexual violence (n=4)
In addition to above, participants shared that sometimes the perpetrator is from the church. It
was also shared that church preaches about prohibited conduct but does not address
consequences once it has happened. Group 4 was very negative and was not afraid to vocally
express their dissatisfaction about the role of the church in their community. Group openly
confessed that they do not trust the church and they did not approve what their churches were
doing. In this survivor group, participants shared two stories of child molestation and rape by
the church leaders/people associated with church. Participants in group 1 also shared similar
experiences of a rape by church leader, having to remain in the church and to be asked by the
church to no to speak out. Because of church reaction to sexual violence, some respondents
have lost faith in church.
36
Research respondents thought that the church leaders were not equipped to deal with sexual
violence and have patriarchal assumptions. Those could be factors that make it difficult for the
church to respond. Regarding the role the church should have in dealing with sexual violence,
two groups provided some thoughts about it. The church should be house of healing and peace
and on practical level church could provide a space for support groups and provide parental
skills workshops.
4.7 Conclusion
Survivors’ definition of sexual violence did not differ significantly from all the interviews and
focus group discussions and the World Health Organisation shares more or less the same
sentiments with the research participants. This research has revealed that the survivors feel
that a support structure like survivor movement could be important for them as it could be part
of the healing and restoring hope for them.
37
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The purpose of this research by Tearfund SA, in partnership with Hope Africa a Social
Development Department of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa is to explore the needs of
survivors of sexual violence. Despite sexual and gender based violence receiving increasing
public attention globally, those affected remain silent. In order to address the lack of reporting
and limited understanding of survivor’s experiences and needs, there is a real need for a
movement of survivors to come together and express their needs and demands of policy
makers so that responses can be appropriate and foster the healing and restoration of survivors
of sexual violence. The research objectives were to:
1. Explore survivors understanding of sexual violence,
2. Understand why survivors remain silent;
3. Map and explore the impact of sexual violence on the lives of individual survivors,
4. Map priorities of survivors and begin understanding the process of healing and
restoration for survivors
5. Determine whether individual survivors would benefit from a survivor movement, and
6. To ascertain the role of the Church in handling Sexual Violence
The chapter will be concluded by providing recommendations based on the findings of the
research in relation to the research objectives (see Chapter 1.2).
5.1 Conclusions
5.1.1 Definition and meaning of sexual violence
Narration how survivors define sexual violence the common words articulated clearly are the
following: ‘brutality, rape, force, coercion to sex without their consent, rough, power, feeling
crushed, violated, it is a vicious circle, stripped your personal dignity and some carry scars that
they showed the members of the focus group as a reminder of their experiences of facing
sexual violence.
Using theological lenses pushes this mapping exercise to dig deeper into asking social justice
questions for a gender approach that is multi-sectorial. “…cruel' ' we are beaten and insulted in
front of our children in this way we lose respect and dignity at home' ...'there is nowhere to go'
....' and there is no one to talk to' ...'rape stays with you even if you want it to go away the
flashes come back and you relive it again and again….” (these are some of the voices captured
during the interviews)
38
All women who participated were from abusive relationships and share a lifetime incidents of
traumatic sexual violence that is still taking place in this present moment within their homes.
This situation revealed a new page that highlighted that sexual violence is a damaging their selfesteem and ability to fight for justice. In using gender sensitive multi-sectorial approach (Dube,
2004), women need to be challenged to hold hands and in solidarity fight for the justice for all.
This finding supports the aims the ‘We will speak out! Against Gender Based Violence
Campaign’ is aiming to achieve, to be a voice of the survivors and to eliminate gender-based
injustice.
Rape is one concept that came through out of all the groups together with someone forcing
themselves on you. Participants were emotional and crying, displayed signs of discomfort when
they shared their stories. Even those participants who had received counselling were reliving
rape or the sexual violence they experienced while sharing their stories. This shows how deeply
rooted the impact of sexual violence is in survivors. Furthermore, the participants shared the
incidents of reoccurrences of rape at different stages of their personal development and
expressed how devastating their sexual debut that seemed to be following them as they relive
their trauma. Where rape was perpetrated by a family member there were extreme retraumazation, and paranoia towards their own girl children for fear of the repeat of their
ordeal. The participants expressed clearly that they are more vulnerable and sexual violence
has left them with deeper emotional scars.
The role of substance abuse played a role especially where the victims knew the perpetrator.
Also when the survivor knew the perpetrator, physical abuse and violence often times took
place before actual act of sexual violence. These findings suggest that in most cases sexual
violation does not happen in isolation especially when the perpetrator is known to the survivor.
5.1.2 Understanding why survivors remain silent
The post-colonial and feminist struggle for liberation of women is loud and clear. The women
are going through oppressive patriarchal rules and expectations of how they are expected to
respect and endure the pain of staying in dysfunctional relationships. Women reasoning being
that they are persevering because of their children but fail to see that they are imprisoned
within their own homes. Participants reflect that they are aware of the oppressive structures
surrounding them but they must make their marriage and relationship work. This is even
aggravated by the cultural expectation that a good wife needs to stick to her marriage and
make it work through thick and thin. This brings a painful and a very harsh reality that leaves
the majority of women to live in a much compromised conditions. Some women shared their
frustrations about being unemployed and dependent on their partners for daily bread.
39
In addition to cultural norms, myths, and expectations, fear of being judged and stigma
attached to being survivor of sexual violence if it is revealed were commonly shared reasons
why sexual violence is not spoken about.
Findings also show that survivors fear for their and or their children lives. Oftentimes
perpetrator threatens to kill the survivor or child if the survivor speaks out about the violence.
Findings show that survivors suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sexual violence leaves
emotional wounds and scars that result in damaging their emotional capacity to love and
receive love in return. As one participant openly shared that, she is unable to enjoy making love
for these traumatic emotions of sexual violence they resurface and affect her whole being.
It became clear that there are gaps in the availability of support system from the government
institution. Not all survivors know where to report after rape. There is a well-structured system
under the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to support survivors of any form of violence
including sexual violence. This programme is called ‘victim empowerment’, however, the
availability of these services were hardly known by survivors.
This research exposed the harsh realities facing the most fragile and vulnerable citizens,
especially women because of the violence and brutality of sexual violence. For as long as sexual
violence remains unreported it means there is no justice.
5.1.3 Impact of sexual violence on the lives of individual survivors
The harsh reality of the scarring caused by sexual violence was repeatedly voiced by the
participants. As well as the common theme of resilience, both, in a negative and positive sense.
Some participants reported rising above their pain and becoming an encouragement to others,
whilst other, especially those encountering multiple forms of sexual violence, described their
painful experiences that have hardened their hearts. The effects were further reflected by
survivors as the cause of addictions and family disintegration. The majority of the survivors in
Khayelitsha presented a wide variety of illnesses ranging from diabetes, stress related fatigue,
hypertension, alcoholism and substance abuse saying these are the consequences of sexual
violence as well as difficult life circumstances they are facing at present. The common feeling
was that there is no way out they need to endure the pain for the sake of their children and
culturally marriage is a binding factor they were persevering impossible conditions... 'our
husbands are killing us' ....'When they are angry this is here where they release their stress and
this is cruel'
40
Findings show that emotional scars and the impact of sexual violence will be with the survivors
for the rest of their lives. Even if survivor had received counselling, emotional scars were still
there and some of the participants reported not being able to start and maintain relationships.
Another emotional impact of the sexual violence seems to be survivors’ inability to distinguish
between love and abuse. This was illustrated in stories in which survivors were moving from
once abusive relationship to another abusive relationship.
Findings of this research suggest that financial dependency on perpetrator is one of the
common reason why survivors were not leaving abusive relationship and therefore contributing
towards survivors being abused repeatedly by same perpetrator/s. Sexual violence aloes
effects on the family and children if there are any. Finding of this research suggest that children,
especially boys copy perpetrators behaviours and treat their mother in abusive manner. This
signals that experiences of sexual violence are intergenerational and are compounded by their
lack of support to the women who remain in destructive relationship under the guise of
children, poverty and financial dependency.
There were also cultural dynamics with regards to how marriage is viewed. This became clearer
when they all shared that culturally a goodwife stands by her husband and supports her family
by enduring all the difficulties without running away. So these sentiments were expressed as
they were listening to each other story of pain and suffering and for them marriage was
equated with pain and enduring the pain was perceived as an act of heroism and the one who
endures sets a good examples for other women to learn from her in the community. Despite
high levels of violence experienced by women, men were not given the feedback on the
dangers of what they are doing to their spouses. In this way there is no end in this vicious circle
of intergenerational violence orchestrated from home.
5.1.4 Survivors understanding of the process of healing and restoration
The fourth major finding aligned to the needs of survivors for healing. A safe forum,
acknowledgement, where the significance of having their voices heard was seen as integral for
healing, as well as the need for supportive systems specifically in reporting sexual violence to
the authorities. The value of empowerment was also iterated by survivors in order to reduce
their vulnerability to repeated sexual violence and facilitative of healing.
All participants supported the idea of getting help. Some even made an observation that yes
they meet more often as members of the community but it was very rare that they were able
to share the way they did during the focus group session. It became very clear that speaking out
in a protected environment was a beginning of a healing process that need to be nourished and
encouraged for survivors to heal.
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Less judgmental-attitude across the board, they need to be heard and to have a cycle of trust.
Survivors do not know who to trust. They want to be empowered and confidently live
productive lives being restored for there is life after sexual violence.
Findings clearly illustrate the need for counselling, not only immediately after the violent act
but life-long counselling. This was seen as the most needed skill to assist oneself and be of help
to others as well for they realized that they can offer support and therapeutic intervention
when taught the essential skills in dealing with stress and trauma. For those who were feeling
emotionally strong could offer the most needed support to those who are most vulnerable and
needing more care and support. In this way a network of care and support would extent to all
survivors and in this way the moral fibre of society will be renewed and strengthened to
intensify healing, transformation and restoration of human dignity of survivors.
5.1.5 Benefit from a survivor movement
Every participant in the research agreed that a survivor movement would be beneficial to
individual survivors in multiple ways. The possibility of a survivor movement filled participants
with hope and proved to be a response that was required for healing of survivors of sexual
violence. Some of the benefits that emerged within focus groups were that of it being
facilitative of healing, fostering solidarity and a means of stopping the silence.
While it is clear that the breadth and depth of the needs of survivors vary across the diversity of
individuals who participated in the research; the resounding cry for greater support and the
existence of a survivor movement pervaded the focus group discussions. The existence of
sympathetic systems and strengthened support structures were seen by survivors as crucial for
their healing and as a means to bring the silence to an end.
Findings suggest that there is a gap in that for survivors of sexual violence there is not well
established advocacy forums and support groups to offer on-going care and support to
survivors of sexual violence. The movement would be a safe space for them to meet others in a
same situation and in solidarity support each other. There will be a real presentation of
survivors and not only statistics. Key benefits were the following: Advocacy, Solidarity, Care,
Support groups, Income-generating clubs, healing of life hurts, creating more awareness on
sexual violence, campaigning on prevention for Gender Based Violence
5.1.6 Role of the Church in handling Sexual Violence
Finally, the church was perceived as a problem where people were not free to be themselves
and share real life experiences of sexual violence for fear of gossip, stigma, judgmental attitude
and socially ostracization and isolation. In this way the church is perceived as ill-equipped to
42
deal with sexual violence and in some areas this type of violence takes place within a church
premises. '...my priest raped me'....'no one believed me because I was molested by priest'....my 9
year old daughter was raped in the church when she was hungry and went to the soup kitchen'.
This poses a serious challenge on the relevance of the church in dealing with sexual violence.
5.2 Recommendations
5.2.1 Survivor movement
Until ‘we will speak out’ campaign becomes a reality the chances are more injustices happen
without being reported and this is a serious social justice offence and a mockery of South Africa
‘s young democracy. A survivor movement is an answer to all the suffering in silent and this is
the time to hear their voices in a united front, not hidden behind alarming statistics. The voices
of the survivor movement need to be heard clearly promoting advocacy for the protection of
the rights of the victims who need to be supported and empowered to be survivors.
Survivor movement, would be in position to assist in survivors in their interaction with the legal
system. Legal system is directly related to victim empowerment until the survivors receive the
support they need from these structures. Only then social justice is granted. If there is failure in
the legal justice system, it means South African law is committing structural oppression towards
the survivors and this becomes a serious violation of social justice issue.
•
•
The survivor movement should be led by a survivor / survivors
Movement need to raise awareness on available services for victims of sexual violence.
•
Group therapy facilitated by survivors; once the survivors have healed, they want to
reach out and help other.
5.2.2 Advocacy for policy change
The findings suggest a gap between the policy makers and the implantation of those policies
practically in communities who are on the receiving end. Those who put policies in place are
not directly communicating with the people who are beneficiaries of those policies. This poses a
critical short-coming in South Africa’s legal system, the Chapter 9 institutions and the
monitoring of the implementation of the laws that are enshrined in the constitution.
Therefore, there is a need for policy change and the survivor movement could be catalyst for
that.
5.2.3 Education and awareness around gender issues and sexual violence
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There was also an awareness of a lack of education around gender issues, and sexual violence.
Different kind of abuse and how to go about reporting and when you are not satisfied with the
treatment or service how you go about reporting and ensure that justice is done. It is the failure
to execute the system that adds to the disempowerment of survivors to reclaim their lives back
after facing injustice and trauma that follows for education is power.
5.2.4 Role of the church
•
•
•
Church should be the voice of voiceless, be a place of healing and non-judgemental.
The church leaders need to be capacitated with necessary information for them to do
appropriate referrals and counselling.
Church needs to be a place of healing and there should be no fear of judgement.
5.3 Conclusion
This research, thus echo’s that survivors of sexual violence are waiting to speak. The voice of
survivors in each focus group discussion and one on one interview carried strength and hope
that if society acknowledged their pain and judgment was no longer a pervading fear, and if a
forum existed where survivors joined in unity and overcame their trauma; their silence would
dissipate, and restoration would begin.
This research has unearthed hidden root causes for women who stay in abusive relationships
without seeking justice. This research then created an awareness that women deeded to ask
difficult questions and challenge norms and other forms of women insubordination that is
propelled by patriarchy and cultural beliefs that disempower women and some die before
realizing their full potential as women who are fearfully created in the image of God.
This research has opened the flood-gates that are challenging the oppression of women and
calls for women to reach-out to others as survivors and speak out against the exploitation and
unnecessary brutal violence inflicted on women for no reason.
Speak out is a beginning of a new struggle to unlock all the chains of injustices that takes place
in the privacy of people’s homes. Speak out campaign is aiming to dismantle the oppressive
powers of rape, brutality, shame and fear. These need to be transformed towards healing,
restoring women’s’ dignity, returning her pride and joy as the bearers of life. Where men
respect and honour women for who they are not what they do.
In solidarity we will stand, we will be silent no more.
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Appendices
APPENDIX A
Information Sheet : March 2014
Title: Needs Assessment of Survivors of sexual violence
Dear Participant,
Thank you for the opportunity to share our research ideas with you. We are an organization called Tearfund and
we are interested in exploring the experiences and needs of survivors of sexual violence. We would like to know
what your understanding of sexual violence is, why survivors remain silent; how your traumatic experience is
affecting your life and what survivors need to heal. To assist in our learning process all participants who agree to
be in the study will come together in a group, in which we will have discussions about the experiences and needs
of survivors.
If you agree to participate in the study, you will be part of this group and we will have this group meeting on only
one occasion. The meeting will take place at the premises of the organization to which you belong, and the group
discussion will be a maximum of 2 hours in total. If you are not comfortable sharing in the group, but would like to
participate in the research, we can arrange to meet you one on one after the group meeting. All information
shared in the group or individual meeting will be kept confidential (i.e only in the group). All information shared
will be voice recorded and used only for the purposes of the study. You will not be required to use your actual
name, you can choose another name for the purposes of this study that will be your pseudonym. If you agree to
participate, we would also like to ensure you that an on-site counselor will be available should you need further
counselling after the group meeting. If you choose to participate or if you do not want to, this will not affect the
services you receive from the organization that assists you. You may ask any questions during any time of the
research process and you may withdraw from the study at any point without penalty.
Please note that due to the nature of the study, that most of our interaction together will be in the form of group
discussions, there is a threat to confidentiality. To safeguard from any of us violating other participants trust and
discussing information outside of the group discussion, the following rules have been established:
1.
2.
3.
We appeal to you not to talk or discuss any of your own or others private experience that you feel is
too personal or revealing.
As a member of the group, you have an obligation to your fellow group members to respect the
privacy of the other members of the group by not disclosing or discussing any personal information
they share in the discussion.
As a member of the group, you have an obligation to other group members to keep their identity
confidential, this means not discussing the identity of any member of the group.
Should you wish any further information please feel free to contact the following persons:
Bongi Zengele
Researcher
0839689265 zengeleb@gmail.com
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APPENDIX B
Informed Consent Form: March 2014
Title of research: Needs Assessment of Survivors of sexual violence
Purpose of the study: While sexual and gender based violence is becoming a key focus issue globally, the silence
and stigma suffered by survivors keeps them silent. There is a real need for a movement of survivors to come
together and express their needs and demands of policy makers so that responses can be urgent and meaningful,
putting the most affected communities at the heart of the response. In order to bridge the gap where the voices of
survivors has been lacking; this study hopes to facilitate this process and empower survivors to champion change
and effect current policy and interventions. Through collaboration with key partners working with survivors,
providing safe space forums for survivors to share experiences, perceptions and vocalize action plans; TearFund
aims to strengthen survivor’s advocacy role.
Please circle the appropriate answer based on the information you received about the study, and if you are
satisfied with this information and are willing to participate in the study, please complete the consent form.
1.
You have read the information and understand the contents?
Yes/No
2.
Have you had the opportunity to ask questions about the study?
Yes/No
3.
Have you received answers that have helped you understand?
4.
Do you understand what your involvement in the study means?
5.
Do you understand that you can withdraw from the study at any
time without giving a reason?
Yes/No
6.
Do you voluntarily consent to participate in the study?
Yes/No
Yes/No
Yes/No
I ____________________________(name of participant) hereby confirm that I understand the contents of the
information sheet and the nature of the research study, and I consent to participating in the research project.
I understand that I am free to withdraw from the project at any time, should I desire.
___________________
___________
Signature of Participant
Date
___________________
___________
Researcher
Date
46
References
Creswell, J. W (1994) Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand
Oaks. C.A. Sage Publications
Curran,
R.
Mukamana,
S
and
Zengele,
B
(2013)
Breaking
the
Silence
http://tiz.tearfund.org/sexualviolence
Dube, M & Kanyoro, M (2004) Grant Me Justice! HIV/AIDS &Gender Readings of the Bible.
Cluster Publications. Orbis Books
Nyapisi, T. 2013. Financial and Management Challenges faced by Community Advice Offices in
the Western Cape Province. (Unpublished)
47