Victimisation in South Africa

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a unique crime to South Africa that involves ruthless killings for economic reasons?

Human trafficking

Drug trafficking

Gang violence

Taxi violence (correct)

What is the cause of social disorganization in many South African communities?

Inability to maintain law and order (correct)

Lack of education

Corruption in the government

Discriminatory laws

Why did the release of hardened juvenile offenders from prison compound the crime problem in South Africa?

They were not given proper job opportunities

They were not given proper care facilities (correct)

They were not given proper education

They were not given proper housing

What caused violence to become an accepted means for solving political, social, economic and even domestic conflict in South Africa?

Historically sanctioned violence Signup and view all the answers

What is regarded as an important factor contributing to crime in South Africa according to the National Crime Prevention Strategy?

The breakdown of social control Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the negotiated settlement and the first democratic election on 27 April 1994 in South Africa in terms of social control?

The dismantling of old illegitimate and repressive forms of social control Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of South African society before the transition period?

Largely overregulated, undemocratic and unaccountable Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the old methods of social control that were dismantled as a result of the negotiated settlement and the first democratic election in South Africa?

Illegitimate and repressive forms of social control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a potential risk factor for victimization in South Africa?

Marital status Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential reason for the higher victimization rates among young women in South Africa?

Sexual offences are more prevalent among women Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential factor contributing to informal forms of popular justice in South Africa?

High levels of community cohesion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential lifestyle factor that may increase the risk of victimization in South Africa?

Having a highly social lifestyle combined with interpersonal relationships and potential alcohol abuse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to economic distress?

Lack of access to healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between poverty, unemployment, and crime in South Africa according to the text?

Poverty and unemployment, combined with socio-political factors, provide an incentive for criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of apartheid on crime in South Africa according to the text?

Apartheid created conditions conducive to crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of youth marginalisation in crime in South Africa according to the text?

Youth marginalisation contributes to violent crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is the single most powerful indicator of victimisation?

Urbanisation Signup and view all the answers

What did the national victim survey carried out in the United Kingdom in 2012/2013 reveal about people who had visited a pub more than three times in a month?

They were at higher risk for all violent offences and violence at the hands of strangers Signup and view all the answers

What do several international surveys suggest about young women between the ages of 16 and 24?

They are at a high risk of sexual violence Signup and view all the answers

What do basic descriptive analyses of the data from several surveys over the last decade suggest about younger people in South Africa?

They are at a greater risk of becoming victims of violent crime Signup and view all the answers

What was the cause of the Soweto youth uprising on 16 June 1976?

The lack of proper formal education for young people Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the limited presence of gangs in South Africa's new democracy?

The change in social dynamics brought about by the new democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor affecting the likelihood of a person falling victim to crime according to Walsh (2015)?

Where people live Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with schemes to assist and support victims of crime in South Africa?

They are selective and inadequate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of the socio-psychological response to feelings of powerlessness and displacement in South Africa?

Increased drug and alcohol abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of the widespread availability of illegal firearms in South Africa?

Robbery and murder Signup and view all the answers

How many licensed gun owners are there in South Africa, according to a recent report in Parliament?

1.9 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of South Africans privately owning firearms?

Increased violence when confronted by criminals Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between high levels of gun ownership and violence in countries like South Africa?

Strongly related Signup and view all the answers

What are some manifestations of the socio-psychological response to feelings of powerlessness and displacement in South Africa?

Vigilantism, paramilitary structures, and arming communities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unique Crime in South Africa

Unique crime involves "farm murders," characterized by ruthless killings for economic gain.

Social disorganization in many communities is driven by factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources.

Impact of Juvenile Offender Release

The release of hardened juvenile offenders exacerbated crime rates due to a lack of rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Violence as a Conflict Resolution Method

Historical political, social, and economic inequalities led to violence being accepted as a normal means of resolving conflicts.

Factors Contributing to Crime

The National Crime Prevention Strategy identifies social inequality and poverty as significant contributors to crime.

Results of Democratic Transition

The negotiated settlement and first democratic elections in 1994 weakened traditional forms of social control, leading to increased crime.

State of Society Before Transition

Pre-transition South African society was characterized by racial segregation, oppression, and limited social mobility.

Apartheid-era policing and community control measures were dismantled during the transition to democracy.

Risk Factor for Victimization

Factors like age, gender, and socio-economic status are cited, while "education level" is not mentioned as a risk factor.

Young Women Victimization Rates

Higher victimization rates among young women are linked to societal norms and vulnerability in high-risk situations.

Informal Justice Contributing Factors

Factors like lack of trust in the justice system encourage informal justice forms, while "community cooperation" is not identified as a contributing factor.

Lifestyle Factors Increasing Victimization

Certain lifestyles, such as nightlife participation and substance use, are potential risk factors for increased victimization.

Economic Distress Factors

Factors like inflation and unemployment impact economic distress, while "education availability" is not included.

Poverty, Unemployment, and Crime

There is a clear relationship where high levels of poverty and unemployment correlate with increased crime rates in South Africa.

Impact of Apartheid on Crime

Apartheid policies contributed to systemic inequality and crime, fostering mistrust and violence within communities.

Youth Marginalization Role

Marginalization of youth leads to feelings of disenfranchisement and increases susceptibility to crime involvement.

Indicator of Victimization

Socio-economic status is the single most powerful indicator of an individual’s likelihood of victimization.

UK National Victim Survey Insights

Survey results highlighted that individuals visiting pubs frequently are at a higher risk of victimization.

International Surveys on Young Women

Surveys indicate that young women aged 16 to 24 are at increased risk of violence and sexual assault.

Younger People and Crime Trends

Analyses show that younger demographics in South Africa are more likely to be involved in criminal activity and victimization.

Soweto Youth Uprising Cause

The uprising on June 16, 1976, was primarily sparked by resistance against oppressive educational policies.

Gangs in New Democracy

The limited presence of gangs is attributed to increased law enforcement and socio-political changes post-apartheid.

Victimization Likelihood Factor

Economic vulnerability is identified as the primary factor impacting the likelihood of becoming a crime victim.

Support for Crime Victims Issue

Initiatives to assist crime victims face challenges relating to funding, access, and effectiveness.

Consequences of Powerlessness

Feelings of powerlessness can lead to increased aggression and a cycle of violence in communities.

Illegal Firearms Availability

The widespread availability of illegal firearms significantly contributes to violent crime rates in South Africa.

Licensed Gun Owners Data

Recent parliamentary reports estimate there are several million licensed gun owners in South Africa.

Private Firearm Ownership Risks

High levels of privately owned firearms increase risks of violent incidents and accidents.

Gun Ownership and Violence Correlation

A relationship exists where high gun ownership correlates with elevated levels of violence in countries like South Africa.

Socio-Psychological Responses

Responses to feelings of powerlessness include increased criminal behavior, community unrest, and psychological distress.

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Description

Test your knowledge on victimisation in South Africa: Gender, Race, and Location factors