Evaluating the effectiveness of protection orders in preventing further victimisation of female survivors of domestic violence in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of protection orders in preventing further victimisation of female survivors of domestic violence by the perpetrators in the City of Tshwane. The study had two sets of participants, which were the female survivors of domestic violence, and social workers that intervene in domestic violence cases. A mixed methods research approach was applied for the female survivors, and a qualitative approach for the social worker participants. The female survivors experienced all forms of abuse as stipulated in the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2021. The female survivor participants’ knowledge of protection orders was associated with many of them not being aware of protection orders prior to the abuse and they believed protection order information was inaccessible and mainly obtained when one reports domestic violence to the police. Majority of the survivors with the interim and final protection order confirmed them to be effective in stopping the abuse. Less contact between the survivor and the perpetrator contributed to the effectiveness, whereas continued sharing of living space led to inefficacy of the orders. Social workers were regarded as important service providers for the female survivors applying for protection orders. However, their services are less known to the female survivors of domestic violence. The study concluded that the interim and final protection orders are effective in stopping further victimisation of women who have experienced abuse and promoting their safety. The effectiveness is also indicated by the perpetrator’s desistance. However, information about protection orders is rarely available to the public. Those who are aware of protection orders barely know the actual details of the application process and issuing, and many doubt their efficacy. The study further concluded that social workers are an important source of help for the female survivors of domestic violence seeking protection orders and in promoting perpetrator’s behavioural change through mediation. The study recommends more community awareness initiatives on domestic violence and the use of protection orders. Since social workers were found to be essential in assisting survivors to apply for protection orders, the study formulated practice guidelines for supporting the survivors when applying for protection orders. It is also important that the law enforces compliance with protection orders and take action when there is violation of protection orders.