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In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf
Ramatsoma, Hlologelo. 2025. In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132475`
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Sellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613853124132864 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo |
| author2 | Hall, Susan |
| author_browse | Hall, Susan Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo |
| author_facet | Hall, Susan Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo |
| author_sort | Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Ramatsoma, Hlologelo. 2025. In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132475` |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132475 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:42:44.343Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Sellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Sellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132475 In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo Hall, Susan Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy. Applied Ethics. Gender-based violence -- South Africa Sex discrimination in criminal justice administration -- South Africa Women's police stations -- South Africa Violence in men -- South Africa Women -- Violence against -- South Africa UCTD Ramatsoma, Hlologelo. 2025. In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132475` Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Male-perpetrated gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe global crisis impacting women across all socio-economic backgrounds. Despite growing attention and legislative efforts, such as the establishment of GBV desks in South African police stations, critical gaps remain. Notably, South African law does not mandate the reporting of suspected GBV by citizens or professionals, which allows continued abuse without legal repercussions. This thesis aims to challenge this premise. It argues for the implementation of mandatory reporting of male-perpetrated GBV, a proposal grounded in the philosophical and moral examination of women’s intrinsic worth and rights. My arguments proceed as follows. First, the thesis underscores that women’s lives possess inherent dignity and should not be treated merely as a means to others’ ends. Violence against women not only violates their welfare interests and rights but also fails to contribute positively to societal happiness and well-being. I further critique South Africa’s response to GBV, highlighting that existing laws and guidelines, such as the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, do not adequately protect women. I challenge the notion that abused women should be almost solely responsible for reporting their victimisation. An examination of the notion of autonomy reveals that abused women often cannot exercise true autonomy due to external pressures and systemic constraints. This inability to act autonomously justifies the need for intervention. Lastly, this thesis advocates for a pro-paternalistic approach, where mandatory reporting is seen as a moral obligation to protect women’s welfare and rights, despite potential opposition. I conclude that mandatory reporting of GBV is not only morally imperative but also the most effective strategy to combat escalating violence against women. This proposal, while controversial, represents a necessary and pragmatic solution to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. Masters 2025-06-09T12:08:13Z 2025-06-09T12:08:13Z 2025-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132475 en Stellenbosch University 89 pages application/pdf Stellenbosch : Sellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Gender-based violence -- South Africa Sex discrimination in criminal justice administration -- South Africa Women's police stations -- South Africa Violence in men -- South Africa Women -- Violence against -- South Africa UCTD Ramatsoma, Hlologelo Mphulo In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title | In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title_full | In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title_fullStr | In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title_full_unstemmed | In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title_short | In women’s best interest: a case for mandatory reporting of gender-based violence on abused women’s behalf |
| title_sort | in women s best interest a case for mandatory reporting of gender based violence on abused women s behalf |
| topic | Gender-based violence -- South Africa Sex discrimination in criminal justice administration -- South Africa Women's police stations -- South Africa Violence in men -- South Africa Women -- Violence against -- South Africa UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132475 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ramatsomahlologelomphulo inwomensbestinterestacaseformandatoryreportingofgenderbasedviolenceonabusedwomensbehalf |