How violence against women and children is represented in research

Among the recommendations made for researchers and donors is the need for terminology that enables inclusion.

This policy brief presents findings from an analysis of how violence against women and children in South Africa was represented in 57 research papers. The analysis complements the work of the Violence Prevention Forum and considers the implications of that framing for policy and practice. Recommendations are made for the research community and funders of research including the need for terminology that enables inclusion.

About the authors

Matodzi M Amisi is a senior research consultant in the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies.

Kudakwashe Vanyoro is a postdoctoral research fellow at the African Centre for Migration & Society, University of the Witwatersrand.

Thomas Archibald is an associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech.

Chandré Gould is a senior research fellow in the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies.

Muofhe Mulondo is a junior research consultant with the Institute of Security Studies.

Image: Amelia Broodryk/ISS