An investigation into rape offenders' explanations of why they raped: A case study of offenders at Windhoek correctional facility, Namibia
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Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Several efforts have been made by different agents (including Government) in Namibia to reduce the number of rape incidents. Notwithstanding this, rape has been on the increase. To fathom the increase and possibly overcome it, a number of researches have been conducted. Among them include that by Women’s Action for Development (WAD), University of Namibia and the Namibia Prison Service (2006), and that of the United Nations Development Programme (2000-2001). In all these studies, little emphasis was placed on enquiring from the rapists’ themselves why they rape their victims. Having realised this research gap, this research investigated rape offenders’ explanation of why they raped. Using the qualitative research approach, data was collected from 20 participants (15 perpetrators of rape, 3 social workers and 2 case management officers) though semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected using quota sampling. The study found that certain cultural practices, economic conditions, means of survival, power and masculinity, alcohol and drug abuse and family background influence rape. Since this study used a small sample, it is recommended that future studies use a larger sample so in order for it to be possible to generalize the results.
Description
A research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of arts in gender and development studies
Keywords
Rape offenders, Windhoek correctional facility, rape victims