Narratives of survival and growth of rape survivors in the Northern Cape

Abstract

South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape globally, highlighting the urgent need for social work research in addressing this critical issue. In this article the authors present the narratives of survival and growth of rape survivors in the Northern Cape, supplemented by narratives of significant people who provided support. Employing a strengths perspective and bioecological approach, the study enables social workers to focus on the inherent strengths and post-traumatic growth of rape survivors as well as on their contexts. Utilising a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with rape survivors and their indicated significant others, complemented by visual data-collection strategies, timeline mapping and a visual metaphor. Thematic analysis of the data indicated post-rape challenges, adjustment and growth. Key findings included non-constructive coping, such as substance abuse and on-going challenges with the justice and police systems. Conversely, findings also underscored constructive coping, post-traumatic growth, and the value of spirituality, religion and social support.