Gender-based violence victim support policies in South Africa : an intersectional analysis from the perspective of Indian women in Chatsworth

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the implementation of the KwaZulu-Natal 365 Days Policy Framework for the Eradication of Gender-Based Violence, particularly the Victim Support Programme, in the minority Indian community in Westcliff, Chatsworth in South Africa. A qualitative research design was adopted using Westcliff as a case study. Data was collected through interviews with the street-level bureaucrats directly implementing the Policy Framework and civil society organisations at the sub-national level. Data from beneficiaries was collected through an online survey and interviews with women from the community. All data was analysed through thematic analysis using the 7Cs of content, context, commitment, capacity, clients and coalitions, communication, and coordination. This study found that Indian women who are aware of the victim support find it mostly unhelpful. Reasons for not using the services included stigma and fear of further abuse. The overall finding is that an interplay of the intersecting dynamics of gender, race, culture and geography affects policy implementation at this level and poses a challenge for policy implementation if interventions are not context-specific. This study recommends that the Policy Framework ensures consultations at all of the lower levels and considers the context of the minority group of Indian Women in Westcliff for effective and efficient policy implementation on gender-based violence.