“Most men think they should have some sort of power and control over women”: South African women’s perspectives on violence against women in the community

Violence against women is prevalent in South Africa. This qualitative study sought to describe female village residents' perspectives on intimate partner violence (IPV) in their communities. As part of a multi-year collaborative mixed-methods study on IPV and alcohol-related sexual risks, a culturally tailored vignette was developed to prompt verbal reflection from 31 female community residents aged 18 to 40 years in rural Limpopo. Participants discussed the controlling and abusive behaviour described within the vignette. Audiotapes were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Major themes included traditional male dominance, addressing violence against women, and victim's consequences. While most women opposed the husband's violent behaviour in the vignette, some viewed it as acceptable, believing that a wife should 'submit'. Notably, certain participants attributed blame to women for provoking their husbands' violent acts. Some suggested that the woman in the vignette had implicitly accepted such treatment from the outset, thus bearing responsibility for its continuation. Proposed solutions ranged from ending the relationship and seeking family advice, to acknowledging that the husband's violent tendencies require professional intervention beyond mere advice. In rural areas like Limpopo, traditional male-dominant behaviours often remain unchallenged. To reduce male-perpetrated IPV, interventions at the community, family, and professional levels are needed.