- Preface (.pdf|3MB)
- Introduction (.pdf|70kB)
- Theoretical Framework (.pdf|70kB)
- Methodology (.pdf|100kB)
- Results (.pdf|200kB)
- Modelling Violent Behaviour (.pdf|200kB)
- Psychological Characteristics (.pdf|100kB)
- Discussion (.pdf|100kB)
- Biography (.pdf|50kB)
- Annex 1 (tables) (.pdf|100kB)
- Annex 2 (questionairy) (.pdf|400kB)
poses a serious threat to the basic fabric of Namibian society, as this is just the
tip of the iceberg, reflecting the country’s social health in terms of: the cultural
aspects of our patriarchal society; and our violent colonial past that is
perpetuated in post-independent Namibia. The newly acquired freedom of basic
Human Rights, seems not to be applicable to all Namibian citizens, especially
women and girls, as male counterparts seemingly struggle to perceive that
human rights issues are inclusive of women’s rights as well.
The study was conducted during 2006, as a joint collaborative effort amongst
Women’s Actions for Development (WAD), The University of Namibia (UNAM),
and the Namibia Prison Service (NPS). The rationale was to get insight into the
perceptions of male perpetrators’ and their reasons for committing violence
against women and girls in their society.
The study revealed that cultural factors, alcohol consumption, low levels of education, lack of employment, socio-economic marginalization, broken family systems, and poor socialisation, were all contributing factors that underlie the violent crimes committed against women and children. Most of the perpetrators
were ignorant of what the new rape act constituted, and that having sex against
their partner’s, wives against her will is a criminal offence.
Some perpetrators perceived the criminal justice system as biased towards
women, and that the current rehabilitation programmes for prisoners in Namibia
are inadequate, in particular the psycho- therapeutic aspects for modifying
deviant behaviour.
Potential personality traits also played a role of a violent disposition, which
could be assessed in advance by clinical psychologists. Certain cultural groups
were also more prone to committing violent crimes towards women and
children, a factor that should be considered by various stakeholders, if we want
to adequately addressed violence in our society.