OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Moult, Kelley"

Browsing by Author "Moult, Kelley"

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Open Access
A look at victim experiences of cybercrime in South Africa and whether the current legislative framework is equipped to deal with this issue
(2024) Smit, Savannah Tuscany; Moult, Kelley
Cybercrime has become extremely prevalent in society. It is an indiscriminate form of crime that permeates all levels of society. This is especially true after the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in individuals becoming increasingly reliant on technology for everyday tasks such as working, shopping and connecting with their loved ones. Cybercriminals have taken advantage of the increased use and reliance on technology and have targeted individuals via various online platforms. Based on data collected through an anonymous online survey, this research examines victims' experiences of cybercrime and the response to this crime, including whether participants were aware of the legal remedies available to them and how to report that they had been a victim of cybercrime. The data shows that victims are reluctant to approach the authorities to report cybercrime as they are uncertain who to report to. Those that experienced financial crime approached their bank but others, who experienced other forms of cybercrime, were afraid that they would not be taken seriously by the authorities. Furthermore, it became evident that participants were not aware that South Africa has legislation, namely the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, in place to provide for the prosecution of cybercrime. Where participants were aware of the legislation, it was predominantly as a result of being informed about it at their educational institutions. The study concludes that cybervictims have a lack of confidence in the authorities ability to deal with cybercrimes and do not feel the current legislative framework in place in South Africa is sufficient to address the issue of cybercrime.
Open Access
A Priority Crime that is not a Priority? The Illegal Cigarette Trade: A Case Study of Mowbray
(2019) McLaggan, Michael Taylor; Moult, Kelley
Objective: To determine how prevalent the illegal trade in cigarettes is in Mowbray, whether buyers thereof are aware of the illegal nature of their purchases, and whether they would transition to buying legal products if they became aware of the illegal nature of their purchases. Methods: Observations of stores throughout Mowbray were used to determine which stores sold illegal cigarettes, using price of packs of cigarettes as a determinant for illegality. Surveys were conducted using smokers in Mowbray as subjects in order to understand preferences of these subjects in terms of which products they bought and at which type of store they bought from. An interview was conducted with a Brigadier of the Directorate for Priority Crimes in order to understand how illegal cigarettes are policed in the country. Results: The research shows that cigarettes in Mowbray are very accessible and popular amongst consumers. It further demonstrates that most consumers of illegal products are aware of the illegal nature of their purchases and would not transition to legal products if it meant paying higher prices. Conclusions: The prevalence of illegal cigarettes is a result of the failure of state institutions to adequately address the issue. The popularity amongst consumers stems from the high availability of illegal cigarettes and the low prices thereof. Responses of state institutions tasked with addressing the illegal trade are essential in order to combat the trade.
Open Access
A socio-legal approach to the abandonment of infants in Cape Town.
(2025) Luther, Susanna; Moult, Kelley
This dissertation considers the impact of the law in its current form on service providers for abandoned infants in Cape Town. It looks at what works, what does not, and possible solutions. The topic is examined through qualitative empirical research in Cape Town with social workers who work with abandoned infants. A thematic content analysis of the data collected from six interviews shows that the system is failing infants abandoned in Cape Town. The social workers suggested that possible solutions include safe haven laws, baby savers, education, and publicity.
Open Access
An exploration of female offenders' yoga experience in Worcester's correctional centre
(2024) Van Rooyen, Karla; Moult, Kelley
In South Africa, there has been a lack of research on female offenders' incarceration experience. Research shows that female offenders are a vulnerable group with specific needs that deserve specialised treatment options. Yoga has become very popular as a holistic rehabilitation programme within many correctional centres, including South Africa. Yoga has become a symbolic resource that offenders can use to make sense of their incarceration experience and re(construct) their self-perception, while still incorporating ‘peace-making-mechanisms' that fit into correctional centres' agenda. This study explores the impact of a yoga programme called ‘The Freedom Project' in Worcester Correctional Centre. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not yoga could transform female offenders' behavioural patterns and help them cope with the pains of imprisonment. A qualitative research design allowed for rich accounts of the participants' yoga experience. The interviews were conducted with a panel of nine female offenders who participated in the yoga programme. While the design of the study makes it difficult to generalize the findings to the wider offending population, the participants nonetheless offered evidence that yoga is a life-affirming experience with a range of transformational consequences. The results of the study showed that the yoga programme allows for an open framework, and freedom of self-exploration and meets the goals of being a more women-centred and holistic approach within prison reform.
Open Access
“And then you go home having anger issues”: investigating Police-perpetrated domestic violence in South Africa
(2025) Lopes, Claudia; Moult, Kelley
As those entrusted with the duties of safety, security, care and protection, police officers play a significant role in responding to the crisis of domestic violence in South Africa. Paradoxically, they are capable of perpetrating the very crime they are sworn to prevent and equally capable of failing to hold those who do accountable. Police-perpetrated domestic violence (PPDV) is a globally prevalent yet largely understudied phenomenon, particularly in the South African context. Drawing on literature, police oversight monitoring reports, quantitative data and interviews with South African Police Service (SAPS) Station Commanders and Domestic Violence coordinators, this dissertation sheds light on this largely underexplored phenomenon providing a more contextualised understanding of PPDV in South Africa with a more selective focus on the Western Cape where its rates are disproportionally high. Research findings illustrate the complexity of PPDV, revealing an interplay of multiple influences and factors that contribute to its emergence and undermine state efforts to address it. Its findings emphasise the need for targeted reforms to take the issue of PPDV and the wellness of police officers in South Africa far more seriously than is currently the case.
Open Access
Assessing the chronic barriers to justice faced by domestic violence survivors in the Western Cape
(2024) Grotzinger, Lior; Moult, Kelley
This dissertation examines the chronic barriers to justice faced by victims of domestic violence survivors in the Western Cape. It delves into the factors causing domestic violence survivors to disengage from the criminal justice system and investigates why many victims do not follow through with finalizing their protection orders. The high attrition rate in domestic violence cases in South Africa is a significant issue because it hinders the delivery of justice for victims and perpetuates cycles of abuse. When victims disengage from the criminal justice system or do not follow through with finalizing protection orders, they may remain in dangerous situations without adequate protection. This lack of closure and resolution can lead to continued incidents of abuse, putting victims' safety and well-being at risk. Additionally, the high attrition rate can erode trust in the justice system among domestic violence survivors, further discouraging them from seeking help in the future. Addressing this issue is crucial for providing effective support and protection to domestic violence survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The study involved a thematic analysis of qualitative case notes recorded in 154 preselected case files, with data entry completed using Survey Monkey. The case files were collected by MOSAIC staff between January 2022 and December 2022. The survey encompassed 16 questions, targeting various aspects such as court location, follow-up reachability by MOSAIC, client engagement with SAPS for case filing, court appearance on designated dates, type of abuse experienced by clients, and reasons behind incomplete protection order processes. The data indicates that survivors refrained from reporting domestic violence to SAPS due to unfair and arbitrary treatment by SAPS officials. Furthermore, survivors often decide not to finalize protection orders when abuse cases and the respondent's behavior improves. MOSAIC workers report that SAPS officials advised survivors to obtain a restraining order first because they take back their abusers which results in wasted time and resources. Additionally, the data also highlights that some clients are unaware of the processes that need to be followed when dealing with protection order violations. Clients are also unaware of their option to reapply for an interim protection order if they have withdrawn their application or missed the return date, leading to a miscarriage of justice. The MOSAIC Court Case Monitoring Officer contacts clients seeking assistance to ensure they have received the necessary services. However, clients are at varying stages in the protection 9 order process, and many do not return after receiving an interim or final protection order. This causes challenges in tracking clients through the justice system and assessing whether they have received the required support. A reduction in the high attrition rate in domestic violence cases can be achieved through SAPS officials demonstrating more compassion and understanding, as mandated by the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 (DVA) and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2021 (DVAA). Additionally, an improved understanding of the interim and final protection order process by applicants is crucial. Keywords: domestic violence, interim protection order, final protection order, chronic barriers
Open Access
“Bad things happen [be]cause good people do nothing.” A study on how residents of Athlone and it's suburbs view their roles as bystanders
(2022) Geyer, Riyaaz; Moult, Kelley
Bystander behaviour in Social psychology and criminology has often been discussed in terms of classic theory (as the bystander effect), bystander intervention for the purpose of crime prevention, situational factors impacting intervention or whether bystanders actually intervene. Other studies have looked at individual motivations for intervention, for example altruism/egoism. This study looks at how bystanders understand intervention and ultimately how they might perceive their roles as bystanders in one community in Cape Town – the broader Athlone area in the Cape Flats. Using a survey (n=60), carried out with both pen and paper and online modes of administration, the study found that bystanders in the Athlone not only often engage in prosocial intervening behaviour, but their view themselves fitting between an altruistic up keeper of social norms and an egoist actively negotiating the risks involved with intervening because there is concern for their own safety. The study also finds that regardless of the controversial position law enforcement and police hold in South Africa, many members of the Athlone community would rely on them when intervention is required.
Open Access
Beyond a reasonable doubt: how South African courts assess eyewitness testimony in murder trials
(2024) Musabayana, Anesu Michelle Catherine; Moult, Kelley; Moult, Kelley
The impact of criminal courts accepting an honest eyewitness misidentification extends beyond the theoretical considerations of the purpose of criminal trials, sentencing, and mere notions of justice. A wrongful conviction has the consequence of punishing an innocent person, while allowing a guilty person to walk free. Such a conviction negatively impacts the life of the accused, who may suffer while in prison, and experience complex and long-lasting mental and social problems as a result of their conviction. It also damages the reliability and relevance of the criminal justice system, which should be underpinned by principles of fairness and justice. Consequently, it should be of significant concern that research across decades has confirmed the inherent fallibility of human memory. But has this research filtered into the court room? To answer this question, I have conducted a content analysis of thirteen murder cases heard by the Western Cape High Court between 2007 and 2021 to consider how the Court considers the role of human memory in eyewitness testimony. Using thematic analysis, I show how the Court has appeared to weigh various factors that support and detract from a witness' reliability, how it determines the risk level presented by each factor, and how it assures itself of its finding. From this, my findings confirm both a general judicial awareness of the risk involved in accepting eyewitness identification evidence, as well as an inherent subjectivity in how the Court comes to its conclusion that is not supported by scientific evidence. As such, I recommend the development of a more precise test for reliability, as well as further study into the area.
Open Access
Danger and death: organisational and occupational responses to the murder of police in South Africa - a case study
(2018) Perkins, Gráinne; Van Der Spuy, Elrena; Moult, Kelley
Danger has long been assumed a critical feature of the occupational identity of police officials. Much of the scholarly literature on the topic has been dominated by research originating in Europe and the United States. This study draws inspiration from the literature of the global North but investigates danger and death in a Southern locality. South Africa provides a case study for an exploration of danger and death as perceived, experienced and acted upon by a police institution with long-standing paramilitary origins and one that continues to confront high rates of violent crime in contemporary South Africa. In comparative terms South Africa continues to exhibit high rates of police homicide. Research into the context within which such homicides occur, the associative factors that accompany danger and death and the impact thereof on subcultural identity and operational responses remain under-investigated. This thesis attempts to fill this gap by examining how danger and death are perceived, experienced and acted upon by police officials across three units in a police station located in an urban settlement situated on the fringe of Cape Town. The inquiry draws on the conceptual work of Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu and Theodore Sarbin, and utilises both quantitative and qualitative research methods. An analysis of investigative files of police murders in the Western Cape combined with observation of memorial services and extensive participant observation of three police units in a high-crime area of urban settlement, yielded rich data. The research concludes that police construct danger as much as danger, as an objective reality, shapes the police’s experience of danger and their responses to danger. Danger can be said to have both an objective and subjective reality – it is at once constituted and constitutive. The findings illustrate that danger is given material effect through risk reduction strategies; that danger is dramatised through its memorialisation and that danger is normalised and routinised in everyday police practices. Responses to danger and police murder vary from formal or organisational to informal or occupational responses. The relationship between organisational (formal) responses and occupational (informal) responses is complex - there is evidence of both overlap and contradiction to be found in that relationship.
Open Access
Danger Lies Everywhere and Waits for Us.” Cape Town Metro EMS Ambulance Personnel's Experiences of Risk, Danger and Fear
(2022) Beukes, Minette; Moult, Kelley
Introduction: Emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance personnel have increasingly become victims of violence while providing lifesaving medical services. This is not only a problem experienced globally, but in South Africa as well – particularly by the Metro (public) EMS ambulance personnel in Cape Town. This phenomenon has not yet been formally investigated in South Africa; thus, this study aims address this gap by exploring Cape Town Metro EMS ambulance personnel's experiences of risk, danger and fear associated with crime while performing service calls, and how these experiences shape the delivery of prehospital services. Methods: This study utilised a qualitative research approach to explore Cape Town Metro EMS ambulance personnel's experiences of risk, danger and fear associated with crime while performing service calls. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of twelve permanently employed and qualified Metro EMS ambulance workers in the city. The study used thematic analysis to identify six main themes within the data set, including: experiences of risk; experiences of danger; experiences of fear; education, training and experience; occupational challenges; and safety interventions and recommendations. Results: This study determined that most Metro EMS ambulance personnel that experience risk on the job, and that they do not feel that their training adequately prepares them for the realities of their occupation, especially in terms of crime. In terms of the experience of danger, respondents noted that certain ambulance divisions work in particularly dangerous areas or ‘red zones', and that these red zones impact negatively on EMS protocol and subsequent service delivery. The most common dangers they experienced included: shootings and getting caught in crossfire; hijackings or attempted hijackings; stoning; robbery or attempted robbery; and being held at gun and knifepoint. Additionally, most respondents felt that the night shift is more dangerous, and that rural areas – and the infrastructural challenges they pose – are seen a danger. Metro EMS ambulance personnel reported that they experienced verbal, physical and sexual abuse from different types of offenders. How Metro EMS ambulance personnel experienced fear differed: 8 participants stated that they get scared while on duty; 2 stated that they do not experience fear; and 2 had mixed feelings about being scared. Some participants indicated that fear does not influence their ability to perform their medical duties optimally, while others were of the opinion that it does, especially in cases where they have been previously victimised. This study also found that participants experienced occupational challenges in terms of their mental health. Participants were generally of the opinion that traumatic calls and victimisation had negative effects on their mental wellbeing, and stated that the counselling services provided to them did not aid in their recovery. The results of this study show that EMS personnel did not feel that the presence of police escorts reduces their experiences or risk, danger and fear. Respondents thus made safety recommendations based on their experiences of risk, danger and fear. Conclusion: The narratives provided by respondents gave an exhaustive overview of their experiences of risk, danger and fear associated with crime – this included whether or not they experience these elements while performing service calls prehospital environment, as well as how they experience it. The majority of Metro EMS ambulance personnel experienced risk, danger and fear associated with crime while performing service calls, and most of the participants believed that these experiences negatively influence service delivery.
Open Access
Defending women who kill
(2022) Shaff, Maxine Leslie Georgia; Phelps, Kelly; Moult, Kelley
This dissertation undertakes a case review of South African court case judgments (between 1994 and 2021) in which women are charged with killing their abusive intimate partners. The dissertation examines how evidence of their abuse is used in respect of legal defences and mitigation of sentence. In addition to analysing the existing legal framework, the paper presents thematic qualitative information drawn from the judgments to show that a number of themes are apparent in the manner in which evidence is brought and dealt with by the courts. For instance, patterns of disregarding evidence of abuse, and a lack of calling for further evidence where needed. In addition to this, judgments often 'play armchair expert' and show lack of sensitivity and compassion to abused women - this is tightly linked with the concept of victim blaming. Other themes include deterrence as emphasised in sentencing, the notion of a turning point during an abusive spell, the rights of the children involved in abusive relationships, and considering motives for retaliation. The paper concludes by arguing that a contemporary approach to private defence, in light of the developments made in the Engelbrecht case, ought to be the way forward in exonerating women of their criminal culpability where those requirements are met.
Open Access
Examining the Impact of Serious Physical Injury on Sentencing in South African Rape Cases
(2024) Gihwala, Harsha Zoë; Moult, Kelley
The Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 introduced prescribed minimum sentences for certain offences. Rape is included in this list of offences. The purpose of the enactment of the legislation was the enforcement of a severe and uniform sentencing response to the crimes listed in a Schedule to the legislation. This was seen as particularly necessary for cases of rape. At the time, rape statistics had become untenably high, and both government and our courts were seen as not being harsh or consistent enough with their response to this serious, violent, and rampant crime. Despite the aims of the legislation however, the response to it, both in the literature and from the judiciary, was overwhelmingly negative. While the legislation provides for instances where the prescribed minimum need not be imposed due to ‘substantial and compelling circumstances', it has not provided much guidance on what this term should mean in practice. As such, the implementation of the Act has seen judicial officers interpreting this phrase so as to allow them to continue to rely on many of the factors that were taken into account before the enactment of the legislation. One of these factors, physical injury, it is argued, relies on myths and stereotypes about rape and the expected nature of it, including the severity of the injuries a complainant should sustain from the commission of such a crime. In 2007 the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Amendment Act 38 of 2007 attempted to limit the use of physical injury suffered by the complainant as a substantial and compelling circumstance. This dissertation analyses judgments both pre- and post the amendment in order to ascertain whether there has been a change in the way in which physical injury is considered in rape sentencing judgments. It will point to the language being used in judgments when courts do consider physical injury as a substantial and compelling circumstance when departing from the prescribed minimum sentences, and will discuss whether this is in line with the purpose of the legislative framework that has been created for the adjudication of sexual offences cases. Lastly, it will present a number of recommendations that seek to argue for further clarity to be provided with respect to factors that should or should not be considered during sentencing, in order to seek to improve the experiences of complainants during the sentencing process.
Open Access
Exploring rape myth acceptance among general medical practitioners in South Africa
(2020) Liountris, Demitri; Moult, Kelley
Rape myths have several negative effects on society, and can affect those who come into contact with victims of sexual assault on a professional level. One group of professionals that assist victims are general medical practitioners and in a country like South Africa, that has a high rate of rape, it is not uncommon for general medical practitioners to find themselves assisting victims. Previous research has suggested that professionals who assist victims such as police officers and lawyers are susceptible to rape myth acceptance. In South Africa, research suggests that medical health professionals can have negative views of victims, depending on a number of factors such as the victim's behaviour and alcohol consumption. Presenting data collected using the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMAS) from a sample of 44 general medical practitioners in South Africa, it was found that the participants had low levels of rape myth acceptance. The findings indicated that not only were rape myths not strong influences within the sample, myths that related to the concept of ‘real rape' were the least likely to be supported. Furthermore, additional questions in the survey revealed that general medical practitioners are not well-equipped to provide care to victims of sexual assault and more effort is needed with regards to service provision.
Open Access
Far from home, safe from home?? An exploration into fear of crime within African refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrant groups living in Cape Town, South Africa
(2023) Kaneunyenye, Simbarashe; Moult, Kelley
Introduction: Between 2008 and 2022, there have been instances of mass xenophobic violence directed at African migrants living in South Africa leading to the continual marginalisation of vulnerable groups such as refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. This marginalisation has in turn heightened their fear of being victims of crime themselves but the extent of their fear of crime has yet to be studied. This study seeks to address that gap and establish whether fear of crime in migrants living in a developing country can be studied using the models set by scholars within the Global North. It also seeks to identify potential differences including factors unique to not just the Global South, but Africa in particular. Methods: To gather exploratory data in this study, a mixed methods approach was adopted consisting of a survey, a focus group and 4 in-depth interviews. The qualitative data from this study was thematically analysed using themes drawn from two models used to predict fear of crime namely the vulnerability model as well as the social integration model. Results: From the interview and survey data, it is apparent that the participants experience high levels of fear of crime whilst living in South Africa. Participants reported that they feel particularly vulnerable because they are foreign. The subjects reported instances where they felt unsafe because of how they looked and sounded in new environments and the reception they received due to those differences. They attribute their lack of integration to a unique and unfriendly host community which excludes them. Their fear of crime restricts their mobility, employment opportunities, and their choices of where to reside. Conclusion: This study concluded that vulnerable migrant groups living in South Africa experience high fear of crime based on the social integration and vulnerability models of fear of crime. Furthermore, these groups experience high fear of crime due to the perception that they are targeted for being foreign. This is an experience they have only encountered in South Africa where the history of the country has made communities unwelcoming to other African migrants. Therefore, going forth, studies of fear of crime among migrants in the Global South should consider the colonial history and policies of the host nation to capture the unique experiences migrants may encounter in these countries.
Open Access
Government accountability is in our hands: utilising tech-enabled methodologies to give citizens the power to monitor the implementation of the regulation relating to sexual offences courts
(2021) Venter, Tatum; Moult, Kelley
Given the high incidence of sexual offences in South Africa, effective implementation of legislation aimed at assisting and alleviating the plight of survivors is paramount.1 In February 2020, the Regulation Relating to Sexual Offences Courts (the Regulation) was promulgated. The Regulation provides for the creation of Sexual Offences Courts (SOC) as well as the specialist facilities and services which must be present, there are currently 106 designated courts in South Africa. If properly implemented, the Regulation has far-reaching potential to assist survivors, increase convictions and alter society's perceptions of these offences.2 Monitoring the implementation of the Regulation in Sexual Offences Courts to hold the government accountable and ensure these objects are achieved is of the utmost importance. This pilot study, which was part of an existing project being conducted by a coalition known as Shukumisa, aimed to determine whether an online tool can successfully allow citizens to monitor and collect reliable information on Sexual Offences Courts. In essence, the study built on previous (low-tech, pen-and-paper) attempts to monitor compliance by creating a tech-enabled data collection tool which enabled citizens who are already working within SOCs to monitor the implementation. Overall, the tool was able to successfully monitor the implementation of the Regulation in SOCs and build on previous monitoring projects. With online training, the participants were able to use the tool and effectively monitor the eleven courts in metropolitan as well as outlying areas. The tool had the ability to not only allow monitoring but empower the participants with information and education in an easy and accessible way. With a few minor improvements, it is recommended that the monitoring tool should be rolled out and used to monitor the compliance of every SOC, to hold government accountable to maintain their successes and improve on their downfalls
Open Access
Implementation in Reality: Magistrates and the Domestic Violence Act
(2024) Van Rooyen, Alexa; Moult, Kelley
This dissertation examines magistrates' assessment of their experiences in implementing the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. The data has been gathered from in-depth interviews with 6 magistrates from different magisterial jurisdictions in the Western Cape. This study has uncovered many barriers to implementation of the Act, the greatest issue being the lack of resources throughout the courts. Magistrates as well as the South African Police Services (SAPS) also do not receive adequate training. This results in inconsistency in domestic violence courts as well as problems with the return date at court. This study also acknowledges that socio-economic issues, such as drug addiction and gang violence play a role in the rise and perpetuation of domestic violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed himself and the government to combatting domestic violence at both the 2018 and 2022 Presidential Summit. However, domestic violence is still on the rise. Building on the work of similar studies, this dissertation argues for the President and the government to acknowledge their failing efforts, and to improve the communication between themselves and those implementing the Act.
Open Access
Investigating illegal drug use by socially integrated and well-resourced young adults in Cape Town
(2021) Reuter, Joshua; Moult, Kelley
There is a dearth of data or literature regarding frequent non-dependent drug use by well resourced, socially integrated South Africans. South African literature regarding drug use – which has primarily focused on dependent drug use accompanied by socio-economic or health crises – is thus incomplete. The purpose of this dissertation was primarily to investigate how well-resourced young adults in Cape Town, South Africa legitimise their illegal drug use habits – and the accompanying potential moral condemnation by society – within otherwise socially conforming lives. The first leg of the data collection process was an anonymous, self-administered survey, in which 84 young, well-resourced professionals or postgraduate students participated. The second leg of data collection involved semi-structured interviews with ten voluntary participants. A thematic approach was adopted in analysing the data. Three themes were identified. In the first – the ‘social life' framework – drug use was posited as playing an important role in enhancing social gatherings or larger social events, and thus being socially accommodated and normalised in certain social contexts. Narratives falling within the ‘relaxation' framework accounted primarily for habitual cannabis use, which was described as a valid way to unwind after a long day – much like alcohol. In both the first and second frameworks, control and responsibility were emphasised to justify drug use, thus drawing on a neo-liberal conception of the self as autonomous and self-controlled. Finally, the ‘psychedelic adventure' framework accounted for certain participants' infrequent and location-specific use of hallucinogenics. Although acknowledged to result in a loss of control, this form of drug use was seen as an escape from the rigours of daily life, in order to rejoin reality revitalised, and not as a departure from accepted social priorities. The findings of this study align with many modern theories of drug use; most notably normalisation. They further support a policy shift, from punishing drug use as a pathology, to a focus on harm reduction. However, more data and more multifaceted analyses are certainly required.
Open Access
Let's talk about sext : gendered millennial perceptions of sexting in a cyborg society
(2016) Meyer, Melissa Isabella; Berg, Julie; Moult, Kelley
In a cyborg society where people exist both organically and via technology, sexual expression and interaction via technology has become 'normal'. The controversy surrounding sexting stems from contemporary literature and media portraying it as coercive, harmful and unacceptable, with particular reference to young females. Qualitative data on this phenomenon is extremely limited and biased, potentially resulting in unjust limitations and restrictions. This study investigates Millennial sexting behaviour by considering general and gendered perceptions of sexting to better understand the phenomenon; its risks, benefits, and the practice itself. An exploratory mixed methods study amongst university students (N = 579) revealed expected and unexpected findings. Respondents acknowledged sexting's risks, while the benefits of and motivations for sexting were emphasised with little evidence of negative pressure. It is argued that the benefits of sexting greatly outweigh the potential risks, but moreover, that sexting is a primarily feminist practice that holds much promise. The need for sextual education and awareness of sext-consent is examined, as theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Open Access
Media portrayal of Child marriage in Nigeria in the light of existing laws
(2018) Worugji, Nheoma Eme; Moult, Kelley
Child marriage is a union between two persons of which one or both of the parties is less than the age of 18. The practice or phenomenon of child marriage cuts across countries, cultures, religions and ethnicities from Africa to Asia, Europe and America. From the perspective of legislation and human rights, it is a menace and a violation of the rights of the child. Unfortunately, the category of children adversely affected are the females and is associated with parents giving out their girl child who are less than 18 years of age in marriage to men who are far older than they are. Topmost on the list of drivers or reasons for perpetuating such practice is that when the girl child gets married at such an early age, the prospect of being promiscuous is taken away with no regard to the aftermath health implication of such action. Nigeria is one of the countries with a high prevalence of child marriage cutting across all ethnicities with major occurrences in the Northern part of the country. The Child Rights Act which was passed into law in Nigeria in 2003 expressly criminalises the practice and pegged the age for marriage at 18 in line with international standards and the African regional treaties. The Nigerian print media has also taken the cue to bring to the lime light issues of child rights violation and associated harmful practices. However, there seems to be an unseen discussion in relation to the role and influence of the media and its portrayal of the issue in the light of existing laws and solution required to address the surrounding issues. This is what this research sets out to explore. The objective is to investigate multiple debates and perspectives of child marriage as presented in Nigerian newspapers. The research method employed is document analysis and discourse analysis which will take the form of documentary research.
Open Access
Nurses decision-making in termination of pregnancy services at health care facilities in the Western Cape
(2012) Röhrs, Stefanie; Moult, Kelley
Using the theory of "street-level bureaucrats" , this thesis examines the implementation of the South African Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act by exploring nurses' decision-making in termination of pregnancy services. As front-line providers, nurses play a critical role in the implementation of termination of pregnancy services. Nurses may be required to assist in informing, preparing or counselling women who request a termination of pregnancy and, if appropriately trained, nurses can perform terminations of pregnancy. Research suggests, however, that 15 years after the promulgation of the law, nurses continue to be reluctant to participate in termination of pregnancy services thereby undermining the successful implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act.

Browsing by Author "Moult, Kelley"

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