Muslim women’s experiences of domestic violence in the Nelson Mandela metropole: a qualitative study

Abstract

This article provides a reflection on the experiences of Muslim women with regard to domestic violence.
 
 Opsomming
 Hierdie artikel werp ‘n blik op Moslemvroue se ervarings van huweliksgeweld.
 
 *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

The Impact of an Interim Protection Order (Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998) on the Victims of Domestic Violence

“…The participants in the study of Nordien et al (2003) found emotional abuse to be the worst kind of abuse, because the psychological effects of the abuse stayed, even after the physical abuse stopped.…”

“…Other factors contributing to women staying in abusive relationships, could be a poor self-concept, vulnerability and manipulation by the abuser (Padayachee, 1988). Faith could contribute to women staying in abusive relationships, but it could also empower them to leave (Nordien et al, 2003). Post-separation violence is seen as an on-going effort by the abuser to continue his control over the victim and the children (Humphreys and Thiara, 2003).…”

“…Changing patriarchal belief systems in the community through educational workshops and talks on gender issues, the rights of men and women in relationships, religious roles, role definitions and stereotypes (Angless, 1990;Nordien et al, 2003).…”

“…In a qualitative study by Nordien, Alpaslan and Pretorius (2003) semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Muslim women in an effort to understand their abusive experiences. Participants reported that they felt nervous, fearful, insulted, belittled, angry, hurt, vengeful, unhappy, numb, tired, worthless, taken for granted, unloved, trapped, suicidal and hopeless as a result of the abuse.…”

“…Establishing community based safe houses and support centres for the victims of domestic violence (Angless, 1990;Nordien et al, 2003). …”