The Perceived Efficacy of the Application of the MATTSO Model by the Sexual Offences Courts in Limpopo, South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/12075Keywords:
effectiveness, sexual offence, court, model, child, MATTSOAbstract
Victims of child sexual abuse are expected to testify against their abusers in court. The procedure is frightening, and many children may suffer secondary trauma as a result. South Africa’s criminal justice system has implemented several reforms in recent years to make regional courts more child-friendly. The Ministerial Advisory Task Team on the Adjudication of Sexual Offences Matters (MATTSO) model for sexual offences courts was implemented in 2014. The study’s goal was to explore the efficacy of the application of the MATTSO model in the four sexual offences courts re-established in the Limpopo province. The empirical data presented in this study were gathered through focus groups using a qualitative exploratory design. A purposive sampling strategy was used, with 24 participants selected and divided into four focus groups of six participants each. The participants represent the many roles directly involved in the operations of the sexual offences courts’ programme in Limpopo. The researcher followed Tesch’s eight steps for data analysis. Despite evidence of significant progress for victims of child sexual abuse, the data indicate substantial problems with the application of the MATTSO model in sexual offences courts after they have been reinstated.
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References
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Accepted 2023-03-21
Published 2023-06-01
