Perceptions of social work students towards perpetual intimate partner violence: A case of a selected University in South Africa.

Bridget Pretty Baloyi; Thembinkosi Peter Singwane

doi:10.51168/a5f1pk02

Authors

Bridget Pretty Baloyi Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, 0727, South Africa
Thembinkosi Peter Singwane Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, 0727, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/a5f1pk02

Keywords:

Intimate partner violence, intimate relationships, patriarchal norms, social work, perceptions

Abstract

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant social and public health concern, with patriarchal norms, unequal gender roles and power imbalances contributing to its persistence. Social work students' perceptions are important because they influence their preparedness to address IPV in future practice. This study explored social work students' perceptions of the persistence of IPV at a selected university in South Africa.

Methods:

A qualitative case study design was employed. Eleven undergraduate social work students, aged 18 years and older, were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling. Eligible participants were enrolled in the social work programme, had exposure to content relating to intimate relationships and/or IPV, and provided written informed consent. Data were collected through 30-minute face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and member-checked with participants. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings:

Five themes emerged from the study, namely: patriarchal societal norms and IPV; normalisation of control and dependency; patriarchal expectations and IPV; substance use and IPV; and the role of social workers in minimising IPV. Participants perceived male dominance, unequal gender roles and control as factors that normalise harmful relationship dynamics. Substance use was perceived to intensify violence, while participants recognised advocacy, empowerment and prevention as important social work responses.

Conclusion:

IPV was perceived as a socially embedded problem shaped by gendered power relations, patriarchal expectations and substance use.

Recommendation:

Social work education should strengthen IPV training through feminist, empowerment and gender-sensitive approaches, with greater emphasis on practical intervention, prevention, advocacy and survivor support.

Author Biographies

Bridget Pretty Baloyi, Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, 0727, South Africa

is currently a Master of Social Work student at the University of Limpopo. Her work focuses on mental health and overall social work interventions.
Thembinkosi Peter Singwane, Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, 0727, South Africa

is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. His research focuses on substance use disorders, harm reduction, addiction management, and community-based psychosocial interventions. His scholarly work examines the perspectives of social workers and service users in substance use treatment systems, particularly within the Global South.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0496-5411

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