Mercilene Machisa
Biographic Data
| ID | 5237841 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Mercilene Machisa |
| GIVEN NAMES | Mercilene |
| FAMILY NAME | Machisa |
| SIGNATURE | MACHISA M |
| AFFILIATIONS | South African Medical Research Council |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-7275-1100 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 22 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 1 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 22 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2018 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Adapting the emotional dysregulation questionnaire for South Africa
Purpose: Emotional dysregulation is an important aspect of psychopathology, especially borderline personality disorder, and is prevalent in populations exposed to multiple traumas, like South Africa. We describe adaptation of the emotional dysregulation questionnaire (EDQ) for South Africa and its psychometric performance. Methods: We enrolled 58 ethnically-diverse women, who had experienced severe intimate partner violence, in eight group discus…
Attempted Femicide
Purpose Women often do not recognize when they experience attempted femicide, so another way of measuring it is needed for research. We examined narrative accounts of femicide attempts, and analysed data to determine whether we could systematically expand the definition of attempted femicide, for the purposes of research. Methods We recruited a non-probability sample of 3742 women into the Fedisa ModikologoStudy. They were 18–45 years and had exp…
Intimate partner violence, stigma, shame self-blame and survivor realities
External stigma drives IPV-related internalised-stigma, self-blame and shame. • IPV stigma, self-blame and shame shapes survivor's responses and help-seeking. • Key drivers included other people's judgments about women's choice of partners, as well as whether she remained or left the relationship. • Decisions about whether to take or leave her children also drove stigma and shame
Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation associated with women’s experience of recent economic intimate partner violence in Gauteng, South Africa
This study investigated the prevalence of economic intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with mental health outcomes among women in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Economic IPV, involving controlling behaviours related to employment, earnings, housing, and financial support, is a critical yet understudied form of abuse with potential impacts on women’s mental health. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a representativ…
Gender beliefs and norms underlying intimate partner violence stigma among women living in Botswana
Gender inequitable beliefs, blaming attitudes, externalised and internalised stigma are commonly recognised barriers for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors seeking help. However, the measurement of IPV stigma, its associations with inequitable gender beliefs and impacts on survivor disclosure, help-seeking behaviours, and mental health outcomes remain understudied. We explored women’s agreement with statements about gendered power dynamics…
Refusal of male partner responsibility and pregnancy support
Male partners' refusal to acknowledge parenting responsibility was associated with men's abusiveness, absence of commitment to long-term relationship/marriage, gender unequal practices and negative maternal and child health outcomes. Parenting programmes must be instituted and prioritise transforming traditional gender norms to improve fathering responsibilities
We do not like talking about our problems’
These findings may be useful for the formulation of evidence-based context-specific and culturally sensitive approaches for increasing men's access to mental health and psychological support services on South African college campuses
Exposure To Family Violence and Low Parental Connectedness Associated with Depressive Symptoms, Substance Use and Violence Outcomes Among Adolescents In South Africa
Purpose Limited research has explored the impacts of family violence on early adolescent mental health and behaviour, in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the associations between family violence, adolescent mental health, and violent behaviours to identify potential pathways for disrupting the intergenerational cycle of violence, thereby addressing key evidence gaps in this area. Methods Data was collected among 3756 learners, ages 1…
South African rape survivors’ expressions of shame, self-blame and internalized-stigma
Post-rape research and support often focuses on external stigma, yet many rape survivors experience appreciable shame, self-blame and internalized-stigma. Despite a growing literature describing the impact of these feelings on survivors' emotional wellbeing, there has been little research on this in South Africa, where an average of 40,000 rape cases are reported annually. To strengthen our understanding of female rape survivors' experiences and …
Livelihoods of young women with and without disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal during Covid-19
This paper focuses on young women with and without disabilities and provides insight into the similarities and differences in their experiences
Reflections on the process, challenges, and lessons learned conducting remote qualitative research on Violence against women during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in South Africa
Given the methodological and ethical challenges which limited disclosure of VAW remotely, we conclude that telephone interviews used in our study impacted on the quality of study data. Therefore, we do not recommend VAW research to be conducted remotely, unless it is essential and participants are already known to the interviewer and trust has been established
I Don’t Want to Be Known as a Weak Man”
Understanding how men view rape is foundational for rape prevention, but it is not always possible to interview men who rape, especially in a college campus context. We explore male students' insights into and rationalizations for why men on campus perpetrate sexual violence (SV) against female students by analysing qualitative focus group discussion data with male students. Men contended that SV is a demonstration of men's power over women, yet …
I Carry the Trauma and Can Vividly Remember”
We know from research that pandemics and disease outbreaks expose HCWs to an increased risk of short and long-term psychosocial and occupational impacts. We conducted qualitative research among 44 frontline health care workers (FHCWs) practicing in seven South African hospitals and clinics. FHCWs were interviewed on their experiences of working during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived impact on their wellness. In this stud…
Ntombi Vimbela! Sexual violence risk reduction intervention
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04607564 on 29/10/2020
Factors Associated With Rape Case Attrition in the South African Criminal Justice System
The attrition of rape cases within the criminal justice system is driven by different factors. We aimed to describe the patterns of rape case attrition and associated factors in South Africa. We analysed a national sample of 3,952 cases reported in 2012. We found that 35 per cent of cases were closed by police, 31 per cent were declined by the prosecutors, 16 per cent were enrolled but later struck off the roll, 19 per cent went on trial and 9 pe…
Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Harmful Alcohol Use Associated with Intimate Partner Violence and Rape Exposures among Female Students in South Africa
While ample evidence from high-income country settings indicates the prevalence and risk factors for multiple mental ill-health symptoms in student populations, evidence from low- and middle-income higher education settings remains limited. We determined the frequency, associations, and structural pathways between mental health outcomes and possible risk factors among a sample of 1292 predominantly Black African and female students ages 18-30 yea…
Impact of Covid-19 lockdown and link to women and children’s experiences of violence in the home in South Africa
Our finding showing a link between low-socio-economic status and increased risk for domestic violence during the lockdown in South Africa suggests the need for socio-economic interventions to mitigate these risks. Structural and social relief measures need to be strengthened to reduce the loss of jobs and income and to address food insecurity during pandemics. Psychosocial support should be provided to men and women to mitigate the mental health …
Adapting Disability Research Methods and Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic
People with disabilities are often excluded from research, which may be exacerbated during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This article provides an overview of key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for conducting disability-inclusive research during the pandemic, drawing on the experience of research teams working across ten countries on disability-focused studies. It covers adaptations that are relevant across the project lifecycle, inclu…
Preliminary evidence of promise of a sexual violence risk reduction intervention for female students in South African tertiary education institutions
Campus sexual violence risk reduction and resistance interventions have been developed and tested among female students in the global North and proven effective. Evidence-based interventions to prevent sexual violence tested amongst female students in the global South and in South African campuses are lacking. We present preliminary evidence of promise of Ntombi Vimbela! (NV!), a sexual violence prevention intervention piloted amongst first year …
Social support factors associated with psychological resilience among women survivors of intimate partner violence in Gauteng, South Africa
BACKGROUND: Women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) increase their risk for mental ill health. However, some women exposed to IPV and adversity are psychologically resilient and function well despite these exposures. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a study to investigate the factors that are associated with psychological resilience among abused women, using data collected in a household survey conducted in Gauteng province of South Africa…
Factors associated with past year physical and sexual intimate partner violence against women in Zimbabwe
This study provides evidence that IPV is a significant public health and societal problem as one in five women were abused in the past year. Younger women, less empowered women, women in inequitable intimate relationships and women endorsing traditional gender norms were at increased risk of abuse. IPV prevention programmes must prioritise transforming traditional gender norms and women's economic empowerment
Mental ill health and factors associated with men’s use of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe
IPV perpetration was associated with child abuse history, mental ill health, sexual relationship power and personal gender attitudes. Interventions to reduce IPV need to engage men to address gender inequality, mental ill health and reduce alcohol consumption
Factors Associated With Rape Case Attrition in the South African Criminal Justice System
The attrition of rape cases within the criminal justice system is driven by different factors. We aimed to describe the patterns of rape case attrition and associated factors in South Africa. We analysed a national sample of 3,952 cases reported in 2012. We found that 35 per cent of cases were closed by police, 31 per cent were declined by the prosecutors, 16 per cent were enrolled but later struck off the roll, 19 per cent went on trial and 9 pe…
Social support factors associated with psychological resilience among women survivors of intimate partner violence in Gauteng, South Africa
BACKGROUND: Women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) increase their risk for mental ill health. However, some women exposed to IPV and adversity are psychologically resilient and function well despite these exposures. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a study to investigate the factors that are associated with psychological resilience among abused women, using data collected in a household survey conducted in Gauteng province of South Africa…
Factors associated with past year physical and sexual intimate partner violence against women in Zimbabwe
This study provides evidence that IPV is a significant public health and societal problem as one in five women were abused in the past year. Younger women, less empowered women, women in inequitable intimate relationships and women endorsing traditional gender norms were at increased risk of abuse. IPV prevention programmes must prioritise transforming traditional gender norms and women's economic empowerment
Mental ill health and factors associated with men’s use of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe
IPV perpetration was associated with child abuse history, mental ill health, sexual relationship power and personal gender attitudes. Interventions to reduce IPV need to engage men to address gender inequality, mental ill health and reduce alcohol consumption
Preliminary evidence of promise of a sexual violence risk reduction intervention for female students in South African tertiary education institutions
Campus sexual violence risk reduction and resistance interventions have been developed and tested among female students in the global North and proven effective. Evidence-based interventions to prevent sexual violence tested amongst female students in the global South and in South African campuses are lacking. We present preliminary evidence of promise of Ntombi Vimbela! (NV!), a sexual violence prevention intervention piloted amongst first year …
Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Harmful Alcohol Use Associated with Intimate Partner Violence and Rape Exposures among Female Students in South Africa
While ample evidence from high-income country settings indicates the prevalence and risk factors for multiple mental ill-health symptoms in student populations, evidence from low- and middle-income higher education settings remains limited. We determined the frequency, associations, and structural pathways between mental health outcomes and possible risk factors among a sample of 1292 predominantly Black African and female students ages 18-30 yea…
Impact of Covid-19 lockdown and link to women and children’s experiences of violence in the home in South Africa
Our finding showing a link between low-socio-economic status and increased risk for domestic violence during the lockdown in South Africa suggests the need for socio-economic interventions to mitigate these risks. Structural and social relief measures need to be strengthened to reduce the loss of jobs and income and to address food insecurity during pandemics. Psychosocial support should be provided to men and women to mitigate the mental health …
Adapting Disability Research Methods and Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic
People with disabilities are often excluded from research, which may be exacerbated during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This article provides an overview of key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for conducting disability-inclusive research during the pandemic, drawing on the experience of research teams working across ten countries on disability-focused studies. It covers adaptations that are relevant across the project lifecycle, inclu…
I Don’t Want to Be Known as a Weak Man”
Understanding how men view rape is foundational for rape prevention, but it is not always possible to interview men who rape, especially in a college campus context. We explore male students' insights into and rationalizations for why men on campus perpetrate sexual violence (SV) against female students by analysing qualitative focus group discussion data with male students. Men contended that SV is a demonstration of men's power over women, yet …
I Carry the Trauma and Can Vividly Remember”
We know from research that pandemics and disease outbreaks expose HCWs to an increased risk of short and long-term psychosocial and occupational impacts. We conducted qualitative research among 44 frontline health care workers (FHCWs) practicing in seven South African hospitals and clinics. FHCWs were interviewed on their experiences of working during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived impact on their wellness. In this stud…
Ntombi Vimbela! Sexual violence risk reduction intervention
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04607564 on 29/10/2020
Factors Associated With Rape Case Attrition in the South African Criminal Justice System
The attrition of rape cases within the criminal justice system is driven by different factors. We aimed to describe the patterns of rape case attrition and associated factors in South Africa. We analysed a national sample of 3,952 cases reported in 2012. We found that 35 per cent of cases were closed by police, 31 per cent were declined by the prosecutors, 16 per cent were enrolled but later struck off the roll, 19 per cent went on trial and 9 pe…
South African rape survivors’ expressions of shame, self-blame and internalized-stigma
Post-rape research and support often focuses on external stigma, yet many rape survivors experience appreciable shame, self-blame and internalized-stigma. Despite a growing literature describing the impact of these feelings on survivors' emotional wellbeing, there has been little research on this in South Africa, where an average of 40,000 rape cases are reported annually. To strengthen our understanding of female rape survivors' experiences and …
Livelihoods of young women with and without disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal during Covid-19
This paper focuses on young women with and without disabilities and provides insight into the similarities and differences in their experiences
Reflections on the process, challenges, and lessons learned conducting remote qualitative research on Violence against women during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in South Africa
Given the methodological and ethical challenges which limited disclosure of VAW remotely, we conclude that telephone interviews used in our study impacted on the quality of study data. Therefore, we do not recommend VAW research to be conducted remotely, unless it is essential and participants are already known to the interviewer and trust has been established
Intimate partner violence, stigma, shame self-blame and survivor realities
External stigma drives IPV-related internalised-stigma, self-blame and shame. • IPV stigma, self-blame and shame shapes survivor's responses and help-seeking. • Key drivers included other people's judgments about women's choice of partners, as well as whether she remained or left the relationship. • Decisions about whether to take or leave her children also drove stigma and shame
Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation associated with women’s experience of recent economic intimate partner violence in Gauteng, South Africa
This study investigated the prevalence of economic intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with mental health outcomes among women in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Economic IPV, involving controlling behaviours related to employment, earnings, housing, and financial support, is a critical yet understudied form of abuse with potential impacts on women’s mental health. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a representativ…
Gender beliefs and norms underlying intimate partner violence stigma among women living in Botswana
Gender inequitable beliefs, blaming attitudes, externalised and internalised stigma are commonly recognised barriers for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors seeking help. However, the measurement of IPV stigma, its associations with inequitable gender beliefs and impacts on survivor disclosure, help-seeking behaviours, and mental health outcomes remain understudied. We explored women’s agreement with statements about gendered power dynamics…
Refusal of male partner responsibility and pregnancy support
Male partners' refusal to acknowledge parenting responsibility was associated with men's abusiveness, absence of commitment to long-term relationship/marriage, gender unequal practices and negative maternal and child health outcomes. Parenting programmes must be instituted and prioritise transforming traditional gender norms to improve fathering responsibilities
We do not like talking about our problems’
These findings may be useful for the formulation of evidence-based context-specific and culturally sensitive approaches for increasing men's access to mental health and psychological support services on South African college campuses
Exposure To Family Violence and Low Parental Connectedness Associated with Depressive Symptoms, Substance Use and Violence Outcomes Among Adolescents In South Africa
Purpose Limited research has explored the impacts of family violence on early adolescent mental health and behaviour, in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the associations between family violence, adolescent mental health, and violent behaviours to identify potential pathways for disrupting the intergenerational cycle of violence, thereby addressing key evidence gaps in this area. Methods Data was collected among 3756 learners, ages 1…
Adapting the emotional dysregulation questionnaire for South Africa
Purpose: Emotional dysregulation is an important aspect of psychopathology, especially borderline personality disorder, and is prevalent in populations exposed to multiple traumas, like South Africa. We describe adaptation of the emotional dysregulation questionnaire (EDQ) for South Africa and its psychometric performance. Methods: We enrolled 58 ethnically-diverse women, who had experienced severe intimate partner violence, in eight group discus…
Attempted Femicide
Purpose Women often do not recognize when they experience attempted femicide, so another way of measuring it is needed for research. We examined narrative accounts of femicide attempts, and analysed data to determine whether we could systematically expand the definition of attempted femicide, for the purposes of research. Methods We recruited a non-probability sample of 3742 women into the Fedisa ModikologoStudy. They were 18–45 years and had exp…
Psychology (16 works) · Medicine (15 works) · Intimate Partner and Family Violence (14 works) · Poison control (13 works) · Suicide prevention (13 works) · Domestic violence (11 works) · Psychiatry (10 works) · Clinical Psychology (9 works) · Environmental health (9 works) · Nursing (8 works)