Women's experiences and coping strategies towards domestic violence: Analysis of cases from female survivors in Windhoek, Namibia
The domestic violence against women, especially from male counterparts, has escalated in Namibia to the extent that women suffer physical violence and even murder. Thus, the Government of the Republic of Namibia established the Gender Based Violence Protection Unit (GBVPU) to provide services to domestic violence survivors, both men and women. This research investigated how both married and single-status female victims and survivors experienced and coped with physical violence by their male counterparts. The objectives of the study were: to investigate and analyse the nature of domestic violence experienced by female survivors; to establish the survival and coping strategies of women who have experienced domestic violence, and to establish women’s knowledge on how and why domestic violence occurs. It was found that pervasive cultures of male dominance and patriarchy were the structural cause of domestic violence, as the power vested in men by societal tradition influenced them to physically abuse their partners. Most African cultures prohibit women from ‘back-chatting’ men, which in many instances results in violence when they challenge male authority. It was reported that culture allowed men to view extra marital affairs as acceptable, leading to gender based violence (GBV) when women objected. Alcohol was reported as another core factor contributing to domestic violence against women, as men are likely to be more abusive when under the influence of alcohol as predicated in these findings. Archaic or harmful traditions should no longer be acceptable, and should be revised, since gender equality is a key element to development. It is, therefore, recommended that men be educated on how to give women equal partnership rights in relationships and family life, and opportunities to express themselves without violent reactions. Regarding alcohol as a contributing factor to domestic violence, it is recommended that the government amends the law in terms of the suspension sentence for the perpetrators to stop drinking alcohol for a period of time while under rehabilitation services.
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