As we closed the 16 days of activism against Gender-based violence the most important question is, did we learn? It is never enough to simply answer yes, our mouths should then run tirelessly with the countless lessons and new-found knowledge. However, if you did not learn, did not become an audience for a discussion on Gender-based violence, relax, because you dear reader are the target for today’s piece. Do not be dismayed for we continue to paint the world orange and fight against GBV even after the 16 days of activism.
Gender-based violence is the act of violence and includes domestic violence against women, men and children living in the same domestic unit. Although women and children are the main victims of GBV, men also fall victim, and it causes severe harm to families and communities. From January to October 2023, Zimbabwe has recorded approximately 16 444 cases where females have been abused and 2 463 cases where men have been abused. The repercussions of GBV range from child trauma as children grow in a violent environment. Childhood trauma is a very delicate mental health issue where the future relationships are ruined due to childhood experiences. Research often shows how victims of abuse grow to be perpetrators of abuse (result), victims of abuse and individuals with the highest risk of suicidal tendencies. In adults the ripple effects of GBV include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and several other mood disorders. And we have grown to know there is no health without mental health, a whole spectrum of physical ailments then inevitably come to play. And now that we have a glimpse of the statistics around GBV and the effects, the onus is upon us to act and protect the now and tomorrow of this world. If you were once a victim of GBV, we celebrate you every day. Never minimize the work you put in getting out of bed and fighting to have control over your body once more. To those currently victims of GBV, someone is always listening keep fighting, remember victory doesn’t happen overnight the secret is in trying every day. Life is a journey just like your mental health. To the rest of us privileged enough to not have encountered the monstrous acts of GBV, let us stay eager to lend an ear to the troubled and give a shoulder to lean on. If someone is opening up to you on abuse and their mental health, treat yourself ss a reader of s book rather than the author. Give them room and space to tell their story Because#Mentalhealthmatters❤️🧠
Because#Mentalhealthmatters❤🧠 