An exploratory study on the effectiveness of healing workshops with abused women at a safe house in eThekwini

Abstract

The pandemic of domestic violence is not foreign to South Africa. South Africa has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world yet its streets are rife with crime and violence with recent reports indicating that violence against women is rampant. This encouraged this study to focus on the role of healing workshops (7) in enabling women to heal from the psychologically traumatic experiences of domestic violence that disrupt well-being. The study sought to understand the personal experiences of domestic violence experienced by these women and the extent to which it had affected their psychological wellbeing. Very little research has been done on the role of psychotherapeutic programs to assist in healing women who have been victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, most centres for women house victims from the perpetrator without any specific treatment program. The main aim of this study was to explore the experiences women have of domestic violence, its impact and to explore the benefits of therapeutic healing workshops with the women at the centre. In order to accomplish this, a qualitative research design was used for the purpose of this study. In addition, purposive non-probability sampling was used and the data collection tool was an in-depth interview schedule with open ended questions. Furthermore, thematic analysis was used to explicate the main themes from the given answers from the interview schedules for all seven workshops and the focus groups. The study will encourage more emphasis to be placed on the emotional and psychological well-being of the victims as well as to rethink and re-evaluate current practices in terms of GBV healing practices. This study highlighted the deep emotional impact of different forms of abuse on women. The data revealed that therapeutic activities are valuable tools with abused women. This study was able to document the following positive or beneficial effects: reframing of negative thoughts into positive ones; feelings of empowerment, a sense of self-actualization; more positive interpersonal relationships, a sense of restored dignity and self-worth as well as a renewed sense of empowerment.; anger control; forgiveness; and positive self-esteem. The entire sample reported that the workshops had significant therapeutic benefits, which helped the women heal and ii

cope better. Despite the use of other approaches as well, they all agreed that self- esteem and confidence meditation activities were most beneficial as it had led to an enhanced state of well-being, feeling more relaxed and comfortable. The women reported decreased negative emotional states of fear and anger. Moreover, their self-confidence had improved and there was a more positive ability to refocus on their children and future as well. This all suggests that quality, holistic care of women in safe houses requires that there be available therapeutic activities to try heal the psychological trauma as a result of domestic violence. In conclusion, it is crucial for the caregivers or housemothers to be trained or be familiar with therapies and their benefits regarding abused women in their care. Additionally, students can also be used to implement workshops for the benefit of the women and students as part of their community service hours. Due to the shortage of research regarding the therapeutic benefits of healing workshops incorporating various healing activities, this field needs to be explored further. Whilst stern penalties should be implemented for proven women assault, the police force should follow up on protection orders issued to these women and ensure that they are reinforced.