Narratives of resilience and coping strategies among home invasion robbery victims in South Africa

Home invasion is regarded as a violent crime. Given its invasive nature, it frequently results in psychological and emotional consequences for victims. This article explores the coping strategies and resilience among South African victims of home invasion. It draws on qualitative data from 21 narrative interviews with victims of home invasion. The findings show a multifaceted interaction of coping mechanisms, including emotional expression, rationalisation, religious coping, behavioural adjustments, social support, and therapeutic interventions. These strategies reflect problem- and emotion-focused coping, as conceptualised in Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping. Although several participants demonstrated adaptive coping and resilience, some reflected on maladaptive consequences such as substance use and persistent hypervigilance, highlighting the need for accessible and culturally responsive support services. This article contributes to victimological research by offering context-specific insights into how individuals navigate the aftermath of a home invasion robbery and provides recommendations for enhancing resilience and coping strategies.