Exploring social workers' utilisation of play-based activities for Tsonga children exposed to intimate partner violence in Tzaneen

Abstract

Tsonga children who are exposed to IPV in Tzaneen are traumatized by the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV), and are therefore in need of care and protection. Social workers are primary professionals who help them to overcome the trauma of IPV and are obliged by the Children's Act 38 of 2005 to help children who are in need of care and protection. The aim of the study was to explore and describe social worker's utilisation of play-based activities with Tsonga children exposed to IPV in Tzaneen. The objective of the study was to explore and describe culturally appropriate play-based activities which could be utilised by social workers with Tsonga children exposed to IPV. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the social workers' utilisation of play-based activities for such Tsonga children. The study made use of non-probability; purposeful sampling, and participants were recruited according to selected inclusion criteria. The researcher used an interview schedule to collect data through semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed through thematic analysis, where three themes emerged namely; Utilisation of play-based activities with Tsonga children, culturally appropriate play-based activities and cultural barriers. The findings describe social workers' utilisation of play-based activities with Tsonga children exposed to IPV in Tzaneen. The findings also suggest the inclusion of cultural appropriate play-based activities in counselling Tsonga children. The findings reveal that cultural aspects play a huge role in children's lives, and the culture of the child must be honoured and supported. It is recommended that social workers should have specialised training in play-based intervention and that the Department of Social Development has to provide social workers with necessary resources.