Older persons perceptions and experiences living in violent-stricken communities: suggestions for social work practice

Abstract

Background of the study: Various communities in South Africa are permeated by crime and violence. These social ills are part of the lives of many older persons living in crime-stricken neighbourhoods. Social workers often assist older persons regarding some forms of abuse, including community violence. Limited research is available regarding the perceptions and experiences of older persons about community violence and about them living in a violent-stricken community. Aim: This research study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of older persons about community violence living in the violent-stricken community of Eersterust in the Tshwane region and to offer suggestions for social work practice. Methods: A qualitative research approach was followed using phenomenological and explorative designs. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method, operationalised through an interview guide from a sample of ten purposively selected older persons in Eersterust, Tshwane. Data was analysed using the eight steps of Tesch (Creswell 2014:196), and data verification was done according to the model of Guba and Lincoln (Lietz & Zayas 2010:443). Ethical principles were upheld throughout the study, including informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, beneficence, and information management. Results: Five main themes were generated from the data analysis. The first theme derived from the data analysis is the participants' perceptions and experiences of community violence. Two subthemes were generated from the data analysis under this theme, indicating that the participant's comprehension of the concept of community violence was seen as intimidation and robbery directed at older persons. The second subtheme entails the types of community violence that the participants experienced, which were directed at older persons in the community, and three categories generated, namely, intimidation, robberies, and indirect exposure to community violence. The second theme that emerged from data analysis was the challenges the participants experienced because of community violence. Challenges encountered were significant health and psychological issues, as well. vi In addition to feeling disrespected in their third community, the theme of the participants' perceptions and experiences about the involvement of stakeholders in the Eersterust community was regarded as very limited. The fourth theme discussed the participants' coping strategies with community violence, which involved avoidance and protective behaviours and collective activities of older persons to protect themselves. The last theme was suggestions on how community violence can be addressed, which entails the need for various collaborative efforts from governmental departments and social workers to support older persons in violent-stricken neighbourhoods. Recommendations for social work practice were mental and emotional support, improving access to social work assistance, and coordination between different stakeholders to assist older persons and follow-up services.