Assessing Attitudes of Female Academics on Gender-Based Violence in a Tertiary Institution in South Africa

In South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), one of the most significant social problems they face is Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against adolescent and young adult women. Reports of GBV incidents in these institutions of low- and middle-income countries are infrequent. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the attitude of female academics towards GBV at a tertiary institution in South Africa. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to choose a sample size of 50 participants. Demographic information and characteristics about attitudes regarding GBV were gathered using a validated structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS to obtain descriptive statistics of demographics and associations between demographics and independent variables. These associations were examined using Pearson’s Chi-square, and values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The highest age-range (18–35) were 23(46%) with master’s degree 30(60%), 30(60%) singles and 43(80%) employed as lecturers. In terms of attitudes towards GBV, 34(68%) felt angry, 15 (30%) said victims never get justice, 15(30%) said GBV harms mental health, those with masters said females (37)74% are the most-affected by GBV, and 17 (34%) stated that norms contribute to GBV. A significant association (p = 0.013) was established between educational level and feeling angry. Females were mostly affected by GBV (p < 0.001) and norms contributing to GBV (p = 0.050). Gender-based violence hurts the mental status of survivors. The institution should understand the origins of GBV and its effects, provide psychological facilities, awareness programs, and preventative measures, strategies, and policies to eradicate and prevent it.