Speak Wednesday

Impact of GBV on Women’s Mental Healt
The Nigerian federal law, Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act VAAP, defines domestic violence as any act perpetrated on any person in a domestic relationship where such action causes harm or may cause imminent harm to the safety, health, or well-being of any person.
Gender-based violence (GBV) has far-reaching and devastating effects on women’s mental health. It encompasses a range of harmful behaviours directed at individuals based on their gender. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. Survivors of GBV often face significant psychological challenges as a result of their experiences.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors of GBV develop symptoms of PTSD. This can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The trauma from the experience can be so overwhelming that it disrupts daily life and functioning.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders: The chronic stress and fear associated with GBV can lead to the development of depression and various anxiety disorders. Women may experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of dread. They may also struggle with feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Dissociation and Depersonalization: Some survivors may experience a disconnection from their own bodies or a feeling of being detached from reality. This can be a coping method for the intense mental and bodily suffering brought on by the violence.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: The emotional pain and distress caused by GBV can lead to self-destructive behaviours, including self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Substance Abuse: Many survivors turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced. Substance abuse can provide temporary relief from emotional pain, but it often leads to further physical and mental health issues.
Impact on Parenting and Relationships: For survivors who are parents, the trauma from GBV can affect their ability to parent effectively. It may also strain relationships with their children and other family members.
Negative Impact on Work and Education: The mental health consequences of GBV can spill over into various aspects of a survivor’s life, including their ability to perform at work or in educational settings. Financial instability and a reduced quality of life may result from this.
Re-victimization: Survivors of GBV may be at higher risk of experiencing further violence or abuse, as the psychological effects of trauma can make it more challenging to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Recognising the severe impact of GBV on women’s mental health and providing adequate assistance and resources are critical. Organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UN Women emphasize the necessity of giving survivors complete treatment, which includes mental health services, therapy, and access to safe spaces.
Raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and enacting legislation to prevent and respond to GBV are critical to lowering the occurrence of GBV against women and minimizing its destructive impact on their mental health.

REFERENCE:
1. Kim, Stefani. “Phonak Launches NaíDa Marvel (M).” The Hearing Review (Online), vol., no., 2020, p. n/a.
2. UN Women https://www.unwomen.org/
3. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cedaw/pages/cedawindex.aspx

#SpeakWednesday

In the shadows of many households worldwide, a silent but pervasive threat looms large: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in the form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). GBV is a deeply concerning issue that affects individuals regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background, but IPV specifically targets intimate relationships. It’s crucial to shed light on this issue, raise awareness, and work collectively to eradicate it from our society.

IPV refers to any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to a partner. It encompasses acts of physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, and sexual assault. IPV knows no boundaries; it affects people of all genders and sexual orientations.

One of the most alarming aspects of IPV is its hidden nature. Victims often suffer in silence, fearing stigma, retaliation, or a lack of support. This silence can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, making it crucial to create an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and seek help.

The consequences of IPV are profound. Beyond physical injuries, survivors often grapple with long-term mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The trauma experienced can affect not only the survivor but also children who witness the abuse, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Breaking the cycle of IPV requires a multi-faceted approach. It begins with education and awareness. We must teach individuals about healthy relationships, consent, and the signs of abuse. Providing safe spaces and resources for survivors to seek help is equally crucial. Support from friends, family, and professionals can empower survivors to leave abusive relationships and heal.

Laws and policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable play a vital role in combatting IPV. Advocacy groups and organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, push for legal reforms, and provide resources for survivors. Supporting these initiatives and being an ally to survivors is essential in the fight against IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence is a grave concern that affects countless lives. It thrives in silence and secrecy, making it our collective responsibility to break that silence, support survivors, and work toward a world where love and respect flourish in all relationships. By understanding the dynamics of IPV, raising awareness, and advocating for change, we can strive to eliminate this hidden epidemic and ensure that everyone can live free from the fear of violence in their most intimate relationships.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

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