Researchers
Prof Carlien van Wyk (CCYF) Acting Head: Centre for Child Youth and Family Studies
Associate Professor and full time researcher in Social Work +27 21 864 3593 carlien.vanwyk@nwu.ac.za North West University, 18 Malan Street, Wellington 7655, Western Cape, Potchefstroom PhD in Social work, MA in Social work (Play therapy), BA in Social work Social work, play therapy, children’s participation in the context of children’s rights, child protection
Dr Lizane Wilson (CCYF)
Senior lecture - Full time researcher and supervisor +27 21 864 3593 Lizane.Wilson@nwu.ac.za North West University, Wellington office East Street Wellington Western Cape 7655, Potchefstroom PhD (Curriculum Studies), M Diac (Play therapy), B Diac (Social work) Community engagement, Service-learning, Child sexual abuseThe prevention of sexual violence against children is increasingly being prioritized as a global priory, but is still a neglected area. When multiple risk factors are present in a community, the children in this community are even more prone to become victims of CSA. Therefore this research project focuses on the development and design of a child sexual abuse preventative intervention strategy in a high-risk community in the North West Province. This will be done using a community engagement approach and six sub-studies where multiple data collection methods will be used to support the strategy development and implementation.
Prof Mariette van der Merwe (CCYF)
Associate Professor and full time researcher +27 21 864 3593 mariette.vandermerwe@nwu.ac.za North West University, 18 Malan Street, Wellington 7655, Western Cape, Potchefstroom BA Social Work (cum laude); Honours Social Work (cum laude); Master’s Social Work (cum laude) DPhil Social Work Trauma and well-being in resource-poor settingsResearch on victims of crime (gun violence, stabbing-related violence, rape, school violence, elder abuse, migrant trauma, gender-based violence)
Dr Susanne Jacobs (CCYF)
Senior lecturer - Full time researcher and supervisor +27 82 783 7474 Susanne.Jacobs@nwu.ac.za Duke AVE Irene Farm Villages, Centurion, Potchefstroom PhD Education and MDIAC masters in Play therapy Resilience, Psycho-Social Well-being, and Strenghs-Based Research: Relational Health Strengthening, restoring, and preserving communitiesDr. Susanne Jacobs supervises postgraduate research methodology and subject-specific content at the NWU in COMPRES (Community psychosocial health and wellbeing, Centre for Child, Youth, and Family Studies, in social work, and AUTHéR, Africa Unit for Trans disciplinary Health Promotion.
Supervising themes of interest and focus in qualitative research is to restore, preserve, and strengthen community and individual psychosocial resilience, health and relational health and wellbeing through strengths-based approaches. Using Appreciative Inquiry, based on positive psychology, promotes resilience, good health, well-being, and healthy relationships in schools and families in diverse societies, ultimately supporting the development of culturally responsive approaches. Counselling based interests include, amongst others, Gestalt, Cognitive-behavioral, Narrative therapy, Positive Psychology and Attachment theories, and educationally-based marriage enrichment.