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Submission information
Submission Number: 119
Submission ID: 921
Submission UUID: e5e3bed0-f6db-44d5-935a-0ed1b30b787f
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:03
Completed: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:44
Changed: Wed, 06/25/2025 - 14:10
Remote IP address: 164.151.196.130
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Zulu
Nokuthula
Social development
Zulu Nokuthula is a dedicated and experienced Social Worker with 13 years of expertise in the field . She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from University of South Africa( UNISA) in 2012. In addition to her Social Work Degree, she demonstrated her versatility and interest in public administration by obtaining a Diploma in Public Management from Mthashana TVET College in 2021. She also achieved a remarkable milestone by earning a Masters Degree in Child Care and Protection from prestigious School of Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2021.
Yes
Ms.
Mkize
Phindile Zamambo
Social Development
Mkize Phindile Zamambo is a Social Worker with 13 years of experience . She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Zululand in 2012. A Diploma in Public Management from Mthashana TVET College in 2021. She also pursued her dream and obtained a Bachelor of Law at the University of South Africa in 2024.
Yes
Mrs
Mncwango
Zethembe Portia
Social Development
Mncwango Zethembe Portia a Social Worker with 13 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2011 and a Diploma in Public Management from Mthashana TVET College in 2021. She is currently pursuing an Honours Degree in Gender Studies at the University of South Africa.
Abstract
Experiences of Social Workers in Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF): A Study of Pillar 4 Implementation
THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
SUB 3.1 Influencing policies that promote environmental sustainability and social equity.
Oral Presentation
Title: Experiences of Social Workers in Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF): A Study of Pillar 4 Implementation
Abstract
This study explores the challenges faced by Social Workers in supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with a focus on the implementation of Pillar 4 of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Pillar 4 emphasizes the provision of comprehensive care and support services for survivors, yet Social Workers-key frontline responders face significant barriers in delivering effective interventions. The study employed a qualitative research approach, semi-structured and in-depth interviews conducted with Social Workers engaged in GBV response services. The findings highlighted systemic and organizational challenges including limited resources, complex caseloads, inadequate supervision, and a lack of trauma-informed training. Participants also reported institutional gaps in inter-agency coordination, inconsistent application of policy, and emotional burnout due to high exposure to violence and trauma. The study underscored the need for structured capacity-building initiatives, improved referral systems, and consistent organizational support to empower Social Workers to meet the diverse needs of GBV survivors. Survivors often require a multidisciplinary response addressing physical safety, emotional counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and long-term protection needs that cannot be met without adequate training and infrastructure. Policy recommendations included the revision of key frameworks such as the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) and the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to ensure adequate resource allocation, enforce trauma-informed practices, and strengthen referral pathways. Addressing these gaps is crucial to build an effective and responsive GBV support system while promoting the well-being and sustainability of Social Workers within the field.
Abstract
This study explores the challenges faced by Social Workers in supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with a focus on the implementation of Pillar 4 of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Pillar 4 emphasizes the provision of comprehensive care and support services for survivors, yet Social Workers-key frontline responders face significant barriers in delivering effective interventions. The study employed a qualitative research approach, semi-structured and in-depth interviews conducted with Social Workers engaged in GBV response services. The findings highlighted systemic and organizational challenges including limited resources, complex caseloads, inadequate supervision, and a lack of trauma-informed training. Participants also reported institutional gaps in inter-agency coordination, inconsistent application of policy, and emotional burnout due to high exposure to violence and trauma. The study underscored the need for structured capacity-building initiatives, improved referral systems, and consistent organizational support to empower Social Workers to meet the diverse needs of GBV survivors. Survivors often require a multidisciplinary response addressing physical safety, emotional counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and long-term protection needs that cannot be met without adequate training and infrastructure. Policy recommendations included the revision of key frameworks such as the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) and the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to ensure adequate resource allocation, enforce trauma-informed practices, and strengthen referral pathways. Addressing these gaps is crucial to build an effective and responsive GBV support system while promoting the well-being and sustainability of Social Workers within the field.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Bashizi Bashige
Murhula
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Poppy
Masinga
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted