Faculty of Humanities
School of Professional Social Sciences
Department of Social Work and Criminology
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
In this study, the nature and extent of sexual assault and the rape of male sentenced offenders and detainees awaiting trial were investigated. Prison gangs, the overcrowding of correctional centres, the involvement of correctional officials and the sexual orientation of potential victims were highlighted as risk factors in the sexual assault and rape of male offenders and detainees awaiting trial. In order to obtain in-depth information on the research participants’ experiences of sexual activities and rape in the correctional centre, face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with 100 research participants. After the analysis and interpretation of the data, it became evident that male-on-male sexual activities occurred in the correctional centre. The researcher found that the reasons given for the rape included the fact that an agreement could not be reached between the inmates, as well as corruption by correctional officials, the involvement of prison gangs and deception by the perpetrators. Six research participants revealed that they had been victims of rape. All the victims were raped within days or weeks of their arrival at the correctional centre. Five of the research participants reported that they had sexually assaulted and/or raped other inmates. Four of the perpetrators were awaiting trial for an aggressive offence (armed robbery) and one for a sexual offence (rape). The perpetrators forced their victims to engage in oral sex, interfemoral sex and anal sex. Based on the feedback of the participants, as well as existing literature on the subject, the researcher developed an Offender Sexual Protocol, which can be used by the Department of Correctional Services to reduce and manage sexual assault and rape in male correctional facilities
Contact person: Ms K Booyens.
The aim of the research project was to evaluate the appropriateness and feasibility of the draft Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Policy of 2004. The objective of this draft policy is to enable social workers and social auxiliary workers to participate in continuous professional development that would ensure a skilled, empowered, professional cadre of workers and, accordingly, make amendments in order to pave the way for the compulsory implementation of CPD. The South African Council of the Social Service Profession (SACSSP) decided, in principle, to implement a CPD system for all professionals registered with the council in 2001. The eighth draft CPD policy was implemented as a pilot project in January 2004. A quantitative study was done in the two pilot provinces: Gauteng (urban) and the Northern Cape (rural). Research findings indicated that similar issues prevail in both provinces with regard to CPD challenges; the challenges are just more intensely experienced in rural areas. The most significant purposes of CPD were indicated as education and development, improved and quality service delivery, self development and building confidence, support and networking. The research findings indicated that the attendance of CPD activities is influenced by external factors such as the role of the employer, an enabling working environment and financial support for CPD activities. The accumulation of CPD should take various factors into account, including the accessibility of CPD activities, a mixture of group and individual activities, the nature of employment, the credits per hour (that is, per hour vs. range according to level of participation of the attendee), the number of points carried forward to the following year, and allowance of CPD activities on an annual basis. The need for effective communication media to inform the constituency on the availabilities was emphasised. In summary, the qualitative study confirmed the social work profession’s commitment to CPD and that the principle of CPD recognition has been established. Social workers indicated that they are reluctant to attend activities if they are not CPD-linked. CPD enriches the scope of practice and hence enhances the professional status of the profession. CPD provides an opportunity to engage in professional decision-making. The qualitative research findings have been presented in all nine provinces where they were further debated. The research findings informed the final CPD policy, which is currently being disseminated for final consultation
Contact person: Prof A Lombard.
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