STRATEGIES FOR MOBILISING THE COMMUNITY TO PREVENT FAMILY VIOLENCE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

Abstract

Family violence is one of the most pressing social issues in South Africa. Its contributing factors are complex, and in fighting against it, social workers are using different strategies to mobilise communities to work together in fighting this vicious cycle of violence. Therefore, this study aims to provide insight into the role of social workers in mobilising community involvement as a strategy for preventing family violence. Ecological and systems theories were used to show how different systems contribute to the social and psychological aspects of families’ wellness and the community at large. This qualitative study used a sample of 20 participants comprised of 10 social workers, who were individually interviewed, and 10 community members, who were part of the two focus group discussions. An exploratory design was used in this study. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select the participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings showed different factors contribute to family violence. This article concludes that social workers play a crucial role in preventing family violence. However, the study recommends that social workers should establish violence-prevention programmes by working with men and boys to address gender inequality and prevent men’s perpetration of violence.