Citation

Erlank EC, Williams HM. Acta Criminol. 2021; 34(1): 1-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Criminological Society of South Africa)

DOI

10.10520/ejc-crim_v34_n1_a2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

With this qualitative research study, the researchers gained insight about the experiences of parents having to protect their children whilst living in violence-affected communities. The phenomenological research design supported by an explorative and descriptive strategy were followed. Eight fourth-year social work students were recruited and prepared as fieldworkers. The participants in this study were purposively selected ensuring that the most suitable data is obtained to gain insight into and explore in-depth parents' experiences, challenges and coping strategies. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. The eight steps of data analysis proposed by Tesch (1990: 142) were applied to arrive at the identified themes and findings. The findings of this study provide vital information to disciplines such as social work, safety and security, and other health care professions who practice or execute their duties in violence-affected communities. The participants are very aware of the high levels of violence exposure by children in their communities, and the negative impact it has in threatening their children's daily safety, ongoing healthy development and need for uninterrupted education. The active involvement of the very communities where violence is reigning, the private and government sectors need to approach this matter from a holistic, multi-dimensional strategy with the goal on strengthening parent-child relationships, eradicating violence by finding the main source and reason for violence and addressing it.

Language: en

Keywords

children; health care professionals; parents; safety and security; social work; social workers; Violence-affected communities