Addressing gender-based violence perpetrated by men : a social work programme

PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Mahikeng CampusGender-based violence (GBV) is a social ill that is experienced by different cultures and social groups across the globe. It impacts negatively on individuals, families, communities and society at large. This study focused on developing a social work intervention programme for men as perpetrators of GBV. Due to limited literature available on men as perpetrators of GBV in the field of social work, the literature is based on government resources, non-governmental resources, social work and other related fields such as psychology, sociology and law.The ecological and psychodynamic theories incorporated in this study assisted in identifying factors that contribute to GBV. The behaviour modification and empowerment approach helped conceptualise intervention for men as perpetrators of GBV. By using a qualitative approach and phenomenological design, the researcher targeted a sample of 37 participants. From there, data were collected from 10 men and 10 social workers by using individual telephone interviews. The data from participants and the literature were used to develop the group work programme manual. The manual was reviewed by five experts in the social work field using a designed questionnaire. Their comments were incorporated in the programme manual. Another group of ten men were divided into two groups; the first group of five men were enrolled in the programme facilitated by the researcher through telephonic conference calls. The second group of five men were enrolled in the programme, facilitated by two social workers through telephonic conference calls. All men and social workers who participated in the programme provided feedback about the programme through individual telephone interviews and their feedback is incorporated into the findings. This helped to understand men as perpetrators of GBV and also provided a model on how to improve service delivery to men as perpetrators of GBV. The findings of this study conclude that all men who perpetrate GBV lack the capacity to manage factors that contribute to GBV. This suggests the need to help men build the strength to manage factors that contribute to GBV without perpetrating GBV. The researcher suggests a group work programme that can serve as a model of intervention for social workers who work with men who perpetrate GBV.Doctora