Young adults’ perceptions of community violence experienced in a South African context during adolescence

Abstract

Violence is a form of degradation that challenges human dignity; it can be regarded as one of the most detrimental experiences a child or adolescent can endure. Violent events frequently occur within the communities that children and adolescents are raised in; South African children and adolescents are often regarded as being raised in urban war zones. There is however a lack of research concerning the effects of community violence on children and adolescents, as well as on their perceptions of community violence. Existing knowledge of community violence is mostly based on research done in other countries, which have different socio-economic problems and systems in place. The goal of this study was therefore to explore and describe the perceptions of young adults of community violence experienced in a South African context during adolescence. To bridge this gap in research, this study formed part of a group research project, with each individual focusing on a different community in South Africa.

In this study, a qualitative research approach was followed, as this elicited the participants’ perceptions concerning community violence. The researcher addressed the following research question: What are young adults’ perceptions of community violence experienced in a South-African context during their adolescent years? To answer this question, the researcher made use of applied research and an instrumental case study as the research design. A non-probability sampling approach was implemented, specifically a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. The sample size consisted of ten participants who resided in the community of Sicelo in Meyerton. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview, with the use of an interview schedule. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data obtained. The Gestalt perspective formed the theoretical framework used to explore the lived experiences of the participants, in order to gain a holistic understanding of their subjective realities and experiences.

The findings show that all the participants had been exposed to some sort of violence, either directly or indirectly. They shared their experiences in terms of assault with a weapon, gender-based violence, xenophobia, protests and theft. Certain times and places were also indicated as hotspots for community violence and various motivations were found to be associated with community violence. Trauma, gangs, not trusting the police and community justice served as consequences of community violence, while education and isolation served as coping mechanisms to counter the effect of such violence. Substance abuse, jealousy and a lack of assistance from other community members when faced with danger, served as perceptions on responses to community violence.

Recommendations for practice include that social workers should be educated on various traditions and cultures within communities in South Africa, to understand the effects of community violence. Traditional healers and persons in traditional positions should be involved to find midway alternatives to address the trauma associated with community violence. Programmes for adolescents and young adults should focus on prevention to combat the cycle of community violence and key individuals in the community should be identified and educated in lay-counselling, to assist children and adolescents when faced with trauma due to community violence.

Key concepts: Adolescence Community violence Perceptions Young adult Gestalt approach