The experiences and social factors influencing the behavior of incarcerated rapists in a male prison in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Introduction: South Africa is amongst the leading countries in the world to record high rate
of sexual violence against women and children. South Africa has been labelled “the rape capital
of the world” with 116 rape cases reported daily. Sexual violence against women and children
is a global pandemic with severe health problems, economic burden and a major violation of
women’s / children’s human right. The overwhelming majority of sexual offences against
women and children is perpetrated by men. However, international and South African research
has been largely focused on exploring the victims behaviour and recovery after rape, with
scarcely any research investigating factors that influence the behaviour of the rape perpetrator.
To fully explore factors that influence the rape perpetrator The Integrated Theory of Sexual
Offending approach must be considered.
Methods: Men incarcerated for rape were interviewed with a Semi-Structured Interview
questions with focal domains of 1) Personal History, 2) Family upbringing and 3) Reason for
Incarceration. Questions for domains were drawn from: their personal history and lifepath,
childhood history and family history of violence, their perspectives on sexual behaviour, myths
or beliefs related to sexual violence and rape, their mentors or role models, perspective on
criminal behaviour and cultural contextualization and their religious and spiritual background.
Each participant was interviewed privately after voluntary consent. The interview was voice
recorded. The data were translated and transcribed. The data were analysed using Thematic
and Content analysis methods.
Results: Our findings described the experiences of various factors that potentially drive the
antisocial and aggressive behaviour on men incarcerated for rape. We found that all participants
were exposed to at least one form of childhood trauma. Most participants were exposed to
family and/or community violence. The majority of participants avoided taking responsibility
for their rape actions and often blamed the victim, and recidivism was common.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a complex personality cycle from being abused to being
an abuser. Additionally, the study reveals the need for intervention for children at risk of
trauma, neglect and abuse. Finally, the study provides a foundation to explore interlocking
biological factors and neuropsychosocial functions and social leaning of the rape perpetrator.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.