Women’s experiences of alcohol-related severe intimate partner violence: Findings from formative research in South Africa

Abstract Introduction: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a threat to the health and well-being of women globally, and a key barrier to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 3.3 and 5.2. Harmful alcohol use is a recognised risk factor for the perpetration and experience of GBV, particularly, intimate partner violence, and for the severity of intimate partner violence. This paper seeks to explore the role of alcohol in women’s experience of severe intimate partner violence (SIPV) in South Africa. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study, using six focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with 62 demographically diverse adult women from three provinces in South Africa (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape) who sought help for SIPV. Findings: Women reported alcohol-related SIPV, frequently describing that her partner intentionally started arguments after he had been drinking. Their abuse included controlling and coercive behavior that restricted their movement and ability to participate in daily activities, economic abuse, and instances of severe physical and sexual intimate partner violence and attempted femicide. They viewed men's alcohol use as a ‘right’ associated with masculinity, that often intersected with expressions of masculinity, including controlling behavior, dominance, and aggression, and performing a provider role, especially among friends in taverns and bars. Conclusions: Planning for effective prevention, providing services and policy efforts requires an understanding of the complexity of the interaction between men's alcohol abuse and their perpetration of SIPV particularly in a context like South Africa, where both harmful alcohol use and GBV are prevalent.