An interpretative phenomenological study of policewomen’s experiences of policing child abuse

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dc.contributor.advisor Philander, Sulaiyman
dc.contributor.postgraduate Luijk, Armand
dc.date.accessioned 2024-02-02T12:45:12Z
dc.date.available 2024-02-02T12:45:12Z
dc.date.created 2024-05-07
dc.date.issued 2023-08-31
dc.description Mini Dissertation (MA (Research Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2023. en_US
dc.description.abstract This research investigates the roles and challenges faced by policewomen in child abuse investigations, focusing on their experiences. This research delves into the global and local context of child protection work. It examines the demand for child protection efforts, police responses in child abuse cases, and the specific functions and roles of policewomen in these cases. Findings were drawn from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three policewomen, between the ages of 32 and 54, who engage in child abuse investigations after they were purposively selected. The participants' narratives were explored individually, highlighting their experiences, perspectives, and challenges in this demanding field. Interpretative phenomenological analysis, as utilised in the data analysis phase, revealed the superordinate themes that emerged from the participants' accounts: The emotional labour associated with policing child abuse, the long-term impact on policewomen, and the sources of strength that sustain the policewomen. Some of the key findings revealed the emotional challenges and toll of policing child abuse cases for policewomen, along with the potential for long-term impact. It also highlighted sources of strength, including collaboration, family support, and faith, which played essential roles in helping these policewomen cope with the demands of their emotionally challenging work. The study recommends prioritising policewomen’s mental and emotional well-being by providing access to counselling, mental health resources, and peer support programmes. This research deepens understanding of challenges and coping mechanisms of policewomen working in this challenging environment and also sheds light on the broader societal implications of their work on personal lives and relationships. en_US
dc.description.availability Unrestricted en_US
dc.description.degree MA (Research Psychology) en_US
dc.description.department Psychology en_US
dc.description.faculty Faculty of Humanities en_US
dc.description.sdg SDG-05: Gender equality en_US
dc.identifier.citation * en_US
dc.identifier.doi https://doi.org/10.25403/UPresearchdata.24849366 en_US
dc.identifier.other A2024 en_US
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/94260
dc.identifier.uri DOI: https://doi.org/10.25403/UPresearchdata.24849366.v1
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher University of Pretoria
dc.rights © 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
dc.subject UCTD en_US
dc.subject Women police officers en_US
dc.subject Child protection en_US
dc.subject Child abuse en_US
dc.subject Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) en_US
dc.subject Qualitative research en_US
dc.subject Phenomenology en_US
dc.subject Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
dc.subject MA (Research Psychology)
dc.subject SDG-05: Gender equality
dc.subject.other SDG-05: Gender equality
dc.subject.other Humanities theses SDG-05
dc.title An interpretative phenomenological study of policewomen’s experiences of policing child abuse en_US
dc.type Mini Dissertation en_US


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