A Situational Analysis of Psychological Services Provided for Children Exposed to and Affected by Violence and Trauma in Mamelodi

Abstract

South African children, particularly those exposed to multiple adversities are at risk for violence and trauma exposure. Violence against children is a significant cause of personal suffering and long-term mental ill-health, psychological and social maladjustment. The current study provides an overview of exposure to and experiences of violence against children. Furthermore, the study aims to provide information indicating existing psychological/therapeutical services provided to children affected by violence and trauma in Mamelodi Township. The study provides alternative approaches to address the shortage of resources for adequate and effective psychology-based mental health care services in Mamelodi. Survey interviews with open-and closed-ended questions were utilized to collect data from eleven (11) service providers, offering intervention services to violence and trauma-exposed children in Mamelodi. The service providers are registered with the Department of Social Services (DSS). Descriptive statistics and content analysis were both employed to analyse demographic information, quantitative and qualitative data. From the analysis, about 30% to 100% of children reporting to the service providers had been exposed to violence in their homes and communities. The most commonly reported forms of violence were sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic abuse and community violence. Up to 320 affected children were handled in a given month in some organisations, with social workers handling very high caseloads. Trauma-focused interventions for both trauma-affected children and their caregivers/parents were reported to be scarce and costly in this resource-deprived community. Instead, semi-skilled professionals and non-therapeutic activities were generally used in the majority of the organizations. Even though the effectiveness of these interventions are not research-based, they are however serving as a first aid to those affected by violence and trauma. This provides some assistance to many children who may be on the waiting list for weeks, months and even years. The personal and social costs of violence are of great concern, resulting in mental health-related difficulties. There is an urgent need for more psychology-based mental health specialists to be trained and interventions at community level to be established. Furthermore, parental relationships need to be strengthened and the state could aid by supporting families and protecting the children.

Keywords: Psychological Services, Violence, Trauma, Children