Battling with gendered violence: The role of South African Police Services in combating gendered violence in Bityi, Eastern Cape, South Africa: Implications for social work

This study explored the pervasiveness and handling of gendered violence against men, set against the backdrop of South African legislative reforms aimed at protecting victims of such violence. Despite the enactment of significant amendments such as the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2022 (Government Gazette, 2022a), The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act 12 of 2022 , and The Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2022 (Government Gazette, 2022b), questions persist regarding the gender neutrality of these laws and the equitable treatment of victims by law enforcement agencies. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research gathered insights through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from the Bityi locale, guided by the Person-In-Environment theoretical framework. Findings reveal that men are reluctant to report gendered violence for fear of secondary victimization, fuelled by societal perceptions that equate vulnerability in men with weakness. Moreover, the study further shows an apparent reluctance among police to assist male victims, who are often discredited as the perpetrators instead. The research advocates for inclusive policies and a societal shift away from rigid gender norms to combat gendered violence more effectively. Through challenging the unilateral perception of gendered violence, this study contributes to the literature by informing policy-making that upholds the rights of all victims, thereby enriching the discourse on gendered violence from both micro and macro perspectives.