IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Tonia is a sexual violence survivor and has closely worked with AGP over the years to provide counselling to other survivors.

One in every three women is a victim of gender-based violence. AGP argues that these statistics could be higher if we include sexual violence in domestic settings. Nevertheless, these acts of gender-based violence have negative impacts on the mental health of these victims. Mental health impacts for survivors of gender-based violence include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, sleep disturbances, stigma and rejection from family members and community as a whole.

As we have gathered through our interactions with survivors, most of the women do not trust public health facilities either because they are afraid of being blamed for what has happened to them or the care provided further endanger their lives, recovery and healing – not to talk of the steep fees charged by mental health professionals.

As a result, we partner with many counsellors and therapists to develop timely, comprehensive, affordable and professional treatment for GBV survivors. We also hold forums to discuss and share best practices in order to address the specific needs of the survivors and to always improve the quality of the services they receive.

As data shows, there are times when victims often end up victimizing others, thus, it is imperative that we break the cycle of violence and abuse through pscyhotherapy.