Women’s reactive violence in contexts of prolonged domestic abuse: An integrated criminological analysis from South Africa

Domestic violence remains a significant social and criminological challenge in South Africa, affecting intimate partners, spouses, cohabitants, and other family or household relationships. Women are frequently positioned primarily as victims within this discourse. However, emerging evidence indicates that some women subjected to prolonged abuse within domestic settings may later engage in reactive or retaliatory violence. This study explores these pathways through an integrated criminological framework drawing on Feminist Theory, Social Learning Theory, Strain Theory, and Trauma Theory. A qualitative approach was adopted in the Seshego policing area of Limpopo Province. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 women who reported prior victimisation and later violent responses, together with five subject-matter experts. Ten decided domestic violence case files were also analysed. Findings reveal that prolonged abuse, economic dependence, unresolved trauma, social stigma, and limited institutional support contributed to women’s violent responses. The findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and context-sensitive reforms within criminal justice institutions.