This report draws on primary research in four villages in the Moretele district to investigate the nature of domestic violence in this area. In particular it focuses on the interaction between culture/tradition and women's recourse to the Domestic Violence Act (a piece of legislation designed to protect women from domestic violence). The paper explores how, in one district, men and women are embedded in a range of community beliefs and practices that shape not only responses to domestic violence, but also the nature of assistance provided. This context not only affects when, how and which women use the Act, but also highlights how a variety of institutions mediate women's access to the criminal justice system.
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Samantha Hargreaves
Samantha Hargreaves is a researcher and the International Shared Learning Coordinator at Action Aid International, a global movement of people fighting for women’s rights, climate justice and an end to poverty.
Lisa Vetten
Lisa Vetten is the former manager of the Gender Programme at the Centre for the study of Violence and Reconciliation. In 2013 she obtained a Master of Arts degree in Political Studies (cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her dissertation was entitled 'Deserving and undeserving women: A case study of South African policy and legislation addressing domestic violence.
Vera Schneider
Vera Schneider is a researcher at the University of Witwatersrand's School of Community Development .
Romi Fuller
Romi Fuller is a former Project Manager of the Violence and Transition Project at CSVR.
