Police Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act in South Africa

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to produce a deeper understanding of the role of the police authorities in their adherence to the new constitution and laws that are supposed to protect women, especially those affected by domestic violence. In order to do that, this research focuses on the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 (DVA) by the police authorities in South Africa. I look into what factors influence their attitudes towards and reactions to victims of domestic violence. I use a triangulation of resources including case reports of domestic violence from court, online media articles, research reports on domestic violence, police performance reports and other governmental documents, as well as NGO reports of victims and police implementation including an interview with someone who worked with women in South Africa.   I analyze my results using the three pillars of new institutionalism: regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive. This theory is useful in breaking down the issue to get a deeper understanding on different levels. Each pillar explains the rules and legally sanctioned acts, norms and values, and cultural assumptions behind the attitudes and actions of the police when involved in domestic violence cases. This helps to see the problem in different perspectives and explain how the police may play a role in perpetuating domestic violence in South Africa.   Through my study on media articles, case reports, and NGO reports on the actions of police, I found that the police do play a role in perpetuating domestic violence in South Africa, though there are many factors that are involved. The norms of society itself show that domestic violence is a private matter and should be kept within the home. The gender power inequalities and social problems in South Africa are also actors in keeping domestic violence such a problem. The government itself has not provided adequate resources and training to properly implement the Domestic Violence Act. So, while the police definitely plays a role in this problem and need to be better trained and more compliant with the DVA and its provisions, there are many factors to consider that also add to this epidemic.