Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD
Homelessness remains a pressing social issue worldwide, with individuals experiencing various forms of victimization and marginalization. This qualitative study aimed to explore the pathways into homelessness and experiences of victimization among homeless individuals in Durban CBD, South Africa. Da...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Western Libraries, The University of Western Ontario
2025-03-01
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| Series: | International Journal on Homelessness |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/18683 |
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| author | Nosipho Mthembu Nomakhosi Sibisi Shanta Balgobind Singh |
| author_facet | Nosipho Mthembu Nomakhosi Sibisi Shanta Balgobind Singh |
| author_sort | Nosipho Mthembu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Homelessness remains a pressing social issue worldwide, with individuals experiencing various forms of victimization and marginalization. This qualitative study aimed to explore the pathways into homelessness and experiences of victimization among homeless individuals in Durban CBD, South Africa. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with (n=17) participants and analysed thematically. Five main themes emerged: pathways into homelessness, forms of violent behaviours experienced, factors contributing to victimization, impact of violent behaviours, and access to assistance post-victimization. Participants described childhood adversity, poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse as key pathways into homelessness. They reported experiencing physical and verbal violence from both the public and law enforcement officials, often leading to physical injuries and psychological distress. Factors contributing to victimization included collective punishment, stigma, visibility, and impaired judgment due to substance abuse. Seeking assistance from law enforcement was often futile, with participants reporting discrimination and neglect. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the complex challenges faced by homeless individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders working towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all individuals, regardless of their housing status. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5b2e2b1d08534f73bb842583f54859b7 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2564-310X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Western Libraries, The University of Western Ontario |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal on Homelessness |
| spelling | doaj-art-5b2e2b1d08534f73bb842583f54859b72025-08-20T02:20:18ZengWestern Libraries, The University of Western OntarioInternational Journal on Homelessness2564-310X2025-03-0112710.5206/ijoh.2023.3.1868312911Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBDNosipho Mthembu0Nomakhosi Sibisi1Shanta Balgobind Singh2University of KwaZulu-NatalUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalHomelessness remains a pressing social issue worldwide, with individuals experiencing various forms of victimization and marginalization. This qualitative study aimed to explore the pathways into homelessness and experiences of victimization among homeless individuals in Durban CBD, South Africa. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with (n=17) participants and analysed thematically. Five main themes emerged: pathways into homelessness, forms of violent behaviours experienced, factors contributing to victimization, impact of violent behaviours, and access to assistance post-victimization. Participants described childhood adversity, poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse as key pathways into homelessness. They reported experiencing physical and verbal violence from both the public and law enforcement officials, often leading to physical injuries and psychological distress. Factors contributing to victimization included collective punishment, stigma, visibility, and impaired judgment due to substance abuse. Seeking assistance from law enforcement was often futile, with participants reporting discrimination and neglect. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the complex challenges faced by homeless individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders working towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all individuals, regardless of their housing status.https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/18683homelessnessmarginalized populationvictimsvictimisationviolent behaviours |
| spellingShingle | Nosipho Mthembu Nomakhosi Sibisi Shanta Balgobind Singh Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD International Journal on Homelessness homelessness marginalized population victims victimisation violent behaviours |
| title | Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD |
| title_full | Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD |
| title_fullStr | Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD |
| title_short | Hidden Victims: Exploring Prevalent Factors Contributing to Violent Behaviours Against Homeless Individuals in Durban CBD |
| title_sort | hidden victims exploring prevalent factors contributing to violent behaviours against homeless individuals in durban cbd |
| topic | homelessness marginalized population victims victimisation violent behaviours |
| url | https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/18683 |
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