Challenges faced by GBV survivors in safe shelters. A case study of Musasa safe shelter in Harare, Marlborough. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mawarire, Elizabeth

Title

Challenges faced by GBV survivors in safe shelters. A case study of Musasa safe shelter in Harare, Marlborough.

Abstract

The study was finding the challenges faced by GBV survivors in safe shelter focusing on Musasa Safe Shelter. The research’s main objectives were to analyze some types of the challenges faced by women in Musasa safe shelter, to examine the effects of these challenges to women in Musasa safe shelter, to assess the support given to the survivors by different institutions and to recommend improved strategies of helping women in Musasa safe shelter. The study used case study research design, qualitative and quantitative approach designs and data was collected using key informant interview guides, in-depth interviews and questionnaires for the survivors, caregivers and institution representative. Twenty women from the shelter participated in the research. Data was presented in a thematic method, which was divided into subtopics that related to the response of the research instruments. The researcher used thematic analysis to identify themes related to the challenges faced by GBV survivors in safe shelters and each objective was analyzed and presented in both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study found that GBV survivors face several challenges such as lack of resources, inadequate support services and stigma associated with seeking help. The study also identified themes related to the need for privacy, safety and security in safe shelters. From the analysis of the findings, the research noted that GBV survivors in safe shelters face numerous challenges such as stress, depression, self-blame, anxiety and fear and have low self-esteem, isolation, stigma and discrimination, financial instability, mood disorder and post-traumatic stress disorders. The study revealed that these difficulties are caused by the economic dependence on the abuser especially married women, the community and family support systems played an important role in victimization, inhumane treatment on the GBV survivor which caused further harm on the victim. The study also found out women often blame themselves for economic abuse hence safe shelter provide livelihood skill training to equip and empower the survivor to generate means of income reducing economic dependency of women on men hence improve the quality of life and standards of living.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

GBV survivors

Musasa safe shelter

Supervisor

Dr J. Bowora