According to the United Nations (UN) one in every three women globally is subjected to physical or sexual violence, the majority being perpetrated by an intimate partner.
The Covid-19 pandemic, unfortunately, made the situation even worse. There has been a notable increase in violence against women during the pandemic. GBV cases recorded in Kenya by the National Crime Research Center in the country within January and June 2020 featured at an alarming rate of 92%. Many of the cases took place in the confines of homes that are meant to offer comfort and protection; the culprits were often close relatives or neighbors.
The Government of Kenya employed various measures to contain Covid-19 pandemic, including lockdowns. In the first two weeks of the lockdown, a national gender-based abuse hotline received a 301 percent spike in calls from women and girls. This may be attributed to staying long hours at home during the lockdown and domestic challenges brought about by reduced income and lost jobs. Considering the nature of such cases, the fear of victimization has been the main force of suppressing reports to the relevant authorities.
GBV has life-threatening attendant consequences such as physical injuries and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV Aids. Other risks include a higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight for pregnant women, who are unfortunately more likely to experience intimate partner violence.
The mental health consequences are equally as severe. For women in Kenya and other places who have experienced violence and abuse, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide ideation are usually on the rise. All these are signs of ailing mental disorders. Once the issues persist, women with severe mental illness are far more likely to be victims of GBV aggression.
The link between mental health and such abuse is not effectively addressed and as a result women are frequently misdiagnosed or unable to obtain the support they need and want to heal. Victims suffering from mental health issues may often be labeled "difficult to work with" and denied help. Some resort to drugs and substance abuse. Many services demand clients to be sober to get treatment, which is particularly difficult for those who use substances to cope with their problems.
Survivors of violence do not have access to mental health services, and when they do, they are rarely incorporated into the primary health care system. With the requisite support, women can regain control of their bodies, sexuality, and lives by receiving comprehensive and gender-sensitive mental health services. Successful treatments can teach us how to combine mental health services with other vital aspects of health care. These include hospital-based help for survivors of gender-based violence, which provides social and psychological support in addition to medical care, as well as community-based initiatives that facilitate access to shelters and legal aid agencies.
Many victims claim that they are afraid of being judged by their friends, family, or authorities if they speak up about their experiences. GBV victims with mental health issues are much less likely to report abuse. Poverty, age, race, and discrimination make some women more vulnerable to violence.
The Covid 19 pandemic worsened GBV in Kenya and other places. It diverted attention from the issue to immediate COVID-19 relief which caused significant neglect of the associated mental health issues.
There is little doubt that violence has an impact on mental health. The World Health Organization now recognizes GBV as a significant public health issue.
Ending GBV will require much more progressive legislation, a considerable increase in financing, and strong collaborations with the national government, corporate sector, civil society, and communities.
To prevent and address violence, critical support for women and men with mental health issues should be strengthened. This includes long-term counseling, affordable housing, childcare aid, improved legal representation, and job prospects.
It is imperative to underscore that ending GBV issues will help alleviate the burden created on victims and survivors on their mental health.
