This article reports on how African women understand the forms and meaning of violence in partner relationships. The findings suggest that many African women experience physical, emotional and economic abuse. Some of the reasons for abuse which emerged include a patriarchal system, alcohol abuse, infidelity and failure to support children financially. The influence of Xhosa African practices on violent partner relationships was explored. The study indicates a need for ethnically sensitive interdisciplinary programmes for social service practitioners, and an effective, accessible legal system for rural women to reduce incidences of abuse.
The study focused on teenage support programs in Alice, Nkonkobe Municipality with an emphasis on those support programs that dealt with pregnant teenagers. Did pregnant teenagers receive enough support from government, non-governmental organisations and the community at large? The main aim of the research was to ensure that effective support programs were in place to improve the wellbeing of teenagers and vulnerable children. The study wanted to show government and other support networks that they must be oriented towards meeting the needs of teenagers through a wide range of support programs. Irrespective of the hierarchical procedures in which organizations operate, emphasis should be put on understanding and meeting the needs of pregnant teenagers, ensuring their autonomy, self-reliance, sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery during the process of their development. It is important to include pregnant teenagers in decision making process to enable the formulation of effective policies and support programs which carter for their needs.
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