Publication

This paper explores violence against women and ill-treatment by men of their intimate female partners as a widespread problem in South Africa. It situates women's use of the criminal justice system in the context of community beliefs surrounding family, men's and women's intimate relationships with each other and masculine authority. The authors discuss abuse and intimate relationships in South Africa and the passing of 1998 Domestic Violence Act. They highlight community perceptions of domestic violence, in contrast with police perceptions and responses. They use the case study of Temba Court to discuss the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act.