Psychosocial support critical for GBV survivors

A significant lack of psychosocial support still exists among all the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response structures in the country. Whilst Botswana continues to record alarming statistics of GBV, most responses remain trauma-focused, healing the physical while neglecting the emotional. There is a vast array of psychological support for victims of GBV.

These include psychodiagnostic assessments, solution and resource-oriented counselling, family mediation and follow-up visits.

This is because all cases are different and people react differently hence support should be age-appropriate.

GBV also has a cultural stigma and inadequate response services to administer the psychosocial support required by victims. Currently, there are only two Non-Governmental Organisations in the country providing a full range of counselling, shelter, and other services to survivors of GBV. They do not only serve a local constituency but also play a significant role in addressing GBV at the national level which stretches them wide.

The Shelter Manager at Botswana GenderBased Violence Prevention and Support

Centre (BGBVC), Kgomotso Kelaotswe, says they provide psychosocial support, temporary shelter, clinical services and outreach services.

“It is worth noting that during the Covid-19 lockdown, BGBVC continued its normal business of providing services (psychosocial support and shelter) to survivors of GBV through different platforms.”

These platforms enable survivors to report, access services as well as plan evacuating their abusive households.

Kelaotswe also pointed out that Government has pledged four Safety Houses for the provision of temporary shelter to survivors of GBV in imminent danger.

Of the four shelters supported by Government, one was for males. This was, however, done through the Ministry of Health and Wellness in conjunction with the Ministry of Nationality Immigration and Gender Affairs.

FNB staff supported the organisation with one shelter and the other shelter was pledged by UNDP.

Although these are commendable efforts, there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement especially in the preventative aspect of GBV and the provision of sufficient psychosocial support essential for social integration.