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 the sexual assault and rape of male sentenced offenders and awaiting-trial detainees 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 awaiting-trial detainees. 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 occur in the correctional centre. The reasons offered for the occurrence of rape in the correctional centre included that an agreement had not been reached between inmates and because of that rape will take place, corruption by correctional officials, the involvement of prison gangs and the use of 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 were awaiting trial for aggressive offences (armed robbery) and one for a sexual offence (rape). The perpetrators force their victims to engage in oral sex, interfemoral sex and anal sex.
Emanating from the feedback of the participants, as well as the literature review, the researcher developed an Offender Sexual Protocol. The Department of Correctional Services can use this protocol to reduce and manage sexual assault and rape in male correctional facilities.
Contact person: Dr K Booyens.
The aim of the research was to evaluate the appropriateness and feasibility of the Draft Continuous Professional Development Policy of 2004 that enables social workers and social auxiliary workers to participate in continuous professional development (CPD) that will ensure a skilled, empowered and professional cadre of workers and accordingly make amendments to pave the way for the compulsory implementation of CPD. The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) decided, in principle, in 2001 to implement a CPD system for all professionals registered with the Council. The 8th Draft CPD Policy was implemented in a pilot project during January 2004 with social workers and auxiliary workers. A quantitative study was done in the two pilot provinces, Gauteng (urban) and 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 outstanding purposes of CPD were indicated as education and development, improved and quality service delivery, self development, building confidence, support and networking, CPD activities, availability, workload and the accessibility of suitable CPD administration. 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 research findings indicated that the employer has a role to play in CPD. 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 earned per hour (as opposed to the range according to the level of participation of the attendee), the number of points carried forward to the following year and the allowance of CPD activities on an annual basis. The need for effective communication media to inform the constituency on the availability of opportunities was emphasised. In summary, the qualitative study confirmed that the commitment of the social work profession to the recognition of CPD has been established. Social workers indicated that they are reluctant to attend activities if they are not linked to CPD. 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.
Contemporary human rights practice encourages full participation of those social categories that are marginalised in society. The youth constitutes a vulnerable category that is often excluded from decision-making processes in communities. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. This Charter Convention urges policy-makers to engage with and involve the youth in matters of concern to them. Grounding the development of policy on such inclusion holds the promise of preparing the youth for an active and well-adjusted adulthood. In order to collect baseline information on the youth in Tshwane South, a survey was conducted in four schools. These schools were purposively selected to ensure variation with regard to language of instruction, educational programmes offered and residential setting.
The survey asked participants to provide information on their background, recreational activities and school experiences. They also commented on social and political issues, security and plans for the future. A successful youth policy requires comprehensive knowledge about young people. This research provided baseline data on the welfare of young people in Tshwane South and the needs they express. It paid attention to their perception of their ability to influence the youth policy and participate in the development of the broader society and local community. It is envisaged that the findings of this baseline survey will be compared in 2010 with a similar study conducted in Karlskrona in Sweden, with a view to sharing ideas, methods, strategies and best practices to improve youth policies that will give the youth the skills, knowledge and information to deal with issues that influence their daily lives. Partners in the broader comparative project are the Gauteng Department of Education (Tshwane South) in South Africa and the Blekinge Institute of Technology in partnership with the municipality of Karlskrona in Sweden.
Contact person: Prof A Lombard.
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