Community violence is linked to adverse social and health outcomes such as trauma, depression and injury. South Africa has high rates of community violence, particularly in townships where higher rates of poverty and unemployment are reported. The purpose of this study was to understand adolescent boys’ experiences, perceptions, and responses to community violence. We used a qualitative design, conducting in-depth interviews with 48 adolescent boys aged 15–19 in Soweto, South Africa. This sample was drawn from a larger longitudinal study of 498 young males, both living with and without HIV. Participants were asked about their experiences with community violence and related health behaviors. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed multiple forms of community violence including physical assaults, gender-based violence, gang-related attacks, robberies and vigilante or mob justice, with some incidents occurring within schools. Violence was perceived as routine and normalized aspects of daily life, often linked to drug or alcohol use, poverty and limited recreational opportunities. Violence was also connected to masculine identity, expressed through strength, retaliation, and gang affiliation as a show of loyalty and group defense. Coping strategies ranged from avoidance and emotional detachment to reliance on community policing forums or direct participation in vigilante justice. Some were skeptical toward relying on police because they did not consistently respond. This research shows how community violence is embedded in the lived realities of adolescent boys. Interventions must address both current and historical causes by expanding socioeconomic opportunities, improving reforms in policing and school safety, and supporting gender-transformative mentorship for boys.
Zharima et al. (Tue,) studied this question.