Violence against women and girls is a global issue that has far-reaching consequences, affecting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. A study from 2015, titled “Mental Health Consequences of Violence Against Women and Girls,” explores the profound impact of such violence on mental health. Moreover, the study investigates the intricate relationship between violence and mental health, prompting several research and theoretical inquiries into the underlying psychological mechanisms linking violence to mental health issues and the immediate aftermath of violence with its potential long-term consequences. This involves exploring the moderating role of coping strategies and resilience in mitigating these effects as well as the emergence of delayed or latent effects that may manifest years after the violent incident, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the prolonged impact on survivors. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering intersectionality, as violence often intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as racism or socioeconomic disparities. Given that the study’s findings are specific to a particular cultural context, exploring potential variations in the mental health consequences of violence against women and girls in different cultural and societal settings through comparative research can provide insights into the cultural factors that either mitigate or exacerbate these effects. Furthermore, the study suggests that the mental health consequences of women in conflict zones be further studied in this context.
To prevent violence against women and girls, there’s a critical need to develop targeted prevention programs informed by the research’s insights, as addressing the root cause is essential in reducing the mental health consequences. Moreover, creating accessible, sensitive, and effective support services for women and girls who have experienced violence is imperative. Policymakers should focus on tailoring mental health services to meet the specific needs of survivors while working to ensure that these services are widely available and free from stigma. Legal systems must play a pivotal role in protecting women and girls from violence. Strengthening laws to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable is a priority, and these legal systems should also better support survivors in their pursuit of justice. Additionally, steps should be taken to raise awareness about the mental health consequences of violence against women and girls at various levels, from schools to communities, in order to reduce stigmatization and empower survivors. This comprehensive approach, encompassing research, policy, and practice, can help address the multifaceted issue of violence against women and its mental health repercussions.
Satyanarayana, V. A., P.S. Chandra, & K. Vaddiparti. (2015). “Mental Health Consequences of Violence Against Women and Girls.” Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(5), 350-356. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000182. https://oce.ovid.com/article/00001504-201509000-00004/HTML