Black Adolescents Experiences of Domestic Violence in South Africa: A Solution Focused Group Therapy Intervention Approach

Violence against in all its forms continues to be a global challenge that many countries struggle to effectively address. It is however devastating when violence takes place in our own safe havens, our homes, perpetrated by those who profess to love us. Violence is one of the most pervasive of human rights violations, denying the victims dignity, self-worth, and their right to enjoy their fundamental freedom to safety and security. This research focuses on Black adolescents experiences of domestic violence. It further explored Solution Focused Group Therapy as a contextually relevant therapeutic approach that can used to address the challenge of domestic violence with Black adolescents. A qualitative approach to research using a case study design was adopted. A purposive sample of three Black adolescents, one boy and two girls, who have experienced domestic violence were used as participants. Data was collected during group therapy sessions using participant observation, field notes and document analysis which was then analysed through content analysis. The salient findings of the study revealed four main themes namely: 1) the adolescents’ attitudes towards therapy; 2) the adolescents’ experiences of domestic violence; 3) how adolescents related to Solution Focused Group Therapy; and finally 4) the need to contextualize Solution Focused Therapy techniques when working with Black adolescents. The study further revealed Solution Focused Group Therapy as best suited for black adolescents within the South African context. However, some Solution Focused techniques and concepts had to be adjusted to fit with the African culture. The finding further provided a new perspective on domestic violence in Black communities and the value of group therapy for black adolescents. The information which has emerged from this study may be useful for psychologists working with black adolescents.