GBV leaves deep emotional and physical scars
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's recognition of gender-based violence (GBV) as a secondary pandemic in South Africa underscores the urgent need to address the high rates of domestic violence and rape.
These issues not only claim lives but also leave deep emotional and physical scars on families and communities.
Data from the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) indicates alarming rates of partner abuse and rape, with four women losing their lives daily to domestic violence.
Despite these harrowing statistics, many women struggle to leave abusive relationships, often returning multiple times before finding the strength to break free.
Tragically, attempting to leave is when victims are at the highest risk of lethal violence.
As a clinical psychologist specialising in this field, I've encountered numerous stories of abuse that encompass not only physical harm but also sexual, psychological, emotional, and economic abuse. Intimate partner violence (IPV) knows no societal boundaries and affects individuals irrespective of race, culture, or economic standing.
However, certain factors, such as societal acceptance of violence, economic disparities, patriarchal norms, high alcohol consumption and a pervasive culture of violence, contribute significantly to its prevalence.
Victims of IPV often face formidable barriers like economic dependence, societal stigma, and internalised guilt that prevent them from leaving abusive situations.
Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach grounded in empathy, understanding, and empowerment.
Firstly, it's crucial to approach victims with empathy and patience, understanding the conflicted emotions they may experience, including feelings of love for their abusers. Gaslighting and manipulation tactics used by abusers often make victims doubt their own reality, requiring careful support to help them recognise the toxicity of their relationships and explore alternatives.
Establishing safety measures is paramount. Providing information about domestic violence shelters, legal resources, and emergency helplines empowers victims to take action. It's essential to educate them about their rights and emphasise that they are not responsible for fixing their abusers' behaviour.
Additionally, identifying signs of co-dependency, where victims feel compelled to protect their abusers at their own expense, is crucial and requires targeted interventions and education.
Addressing the psychological aspects of abuse, including co-dependency, battered woman syndrome, and Stockholm syndrome, are integral to supporting victims.
These psychological conditions often result from prolonged exposure to abuse and require delicate intervention to help victims reclaim their sense of self-worth and autonomy.
A comprehensive approach to combating domestic violence involves interrupting the cycle of violence and empowering both survivors and perpetrators.
This includes psychotherapy to help victims work through their trauma, change harmful perceptions, and develop coping strategies.
It's also essential to provide practical support, such as teaching safety signals, assisting with relocation to safe places, and connecting victims with legal and social resources.
Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort to challenge societal norms, provide robust support systems, and empower victims to make informed choices. By fostering a culture of empathy, accountability, and empowerment, we can work towards eradicating this pervasive scourge and creating safer communities for all.
Encouraging stronger social connections and awareness of available resources can also play a vital role in preventing and addressing domestic violence.