The Role Of Psychologists In Gender-Based Violence (GBV) - SACAP
Applied Psychology

The Role of Psychologists in Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Nov 25, 2024 | By Talya Ernest
Reading time: 5 min
Psychologist in a counselling session with a gender-based violence survivor

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global crisis, referring to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender and includes physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse and harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage (Di Matteo & Scaramuzzino, 2022).  

GBV disproportionately affects women and girls but can also impact men, boys, and gender non-conforming individuals. 

  1. 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. 
  2. Globally, 7% of women have been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner. 
  3. Globally, 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner. 
  4. 200 million women globally have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting. 

The ripple effects extend to economic and social costs, including lost productivity, strained healthcare systems, and intergenerational cycles of violence. As GBV undermines social stability, it reinforces gender inequalities, perpetuates fear, and weakens the overall mental health of societies.

The Impact of Gender-Based Violence

  • Emotional Impact: Survivors of GBV often experience overwhelming emotions like fear, shame, guilt, and helplessness. These intense feelings can result in mood swings, depression, and emotional numbness, severely affecting their emotional well-being. 
  • Cognitive Effects: GBV can cause confusion, concentration difficulties, memory problems, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. 
  • Psychological Trauma: GBV can manifest in severe mental health conditions, such as PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression. Survivors may experience ongoing panic attacks, hypervigilance, and struggles with trust in relationships, contributing to long-term psychological distress. 
  • Physical Consequences: Physical injuries or chronic health problems are common among GBV survivors. These health issues can worsen without proper medical and psychological support, further impacting their physical and emotional recovery. 
  • Social Isolation: Survivors of GBV often face social stigma, isolation, and discrimination, leading to further emotional distress. The lack of social support can intensify feelings of shame, helplessness, and exclusion from their communities. 
  • Long-Term Mental Health Effects: The long-term mental health implications of GBV may include an increased risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. These issues complicate the recovery process, making it essential for survivors to receive comprehensive mental health care and support. (O’Mullan et al., 2024)

The Role of Psychologists in GBV

Psychologists are trained to detect both overt and subtle signs of GBV, including unexplained physical injuries, emotional withdrawal, hypervigilance, and expressions of fear or distress linked to specific people or environments (Webermann & Murphy, 2020). Survivors may also display symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD, which psychologists assess using clinical interviews and validated screening tools. 

Once GBV is identified, psychologists offer trauma-informed care, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors feel understood and supported. Using therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused therapy, psychologists help survivors process trauma, alleviate anxiety and depression, and develop coping mechanisms. 

Psychologists also collaborate with other professionals to provide holistic care, connecting survivors with legal support, shelters, and social services. By offering emotional support and practical resources, psychologists empower survivors to heal and regain control of their lives. 

Public Awareness and GBV Prevention

Psychologists play a vital role in raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), its impact, and prevention strategies. Through workshops, public talks, and community outreach, they educate communities on the psychological effects of GBV and the importance of mental health support for survivors. By promoting open discussions and reducing stigma, psychologists encourage bystander intervention and foster empathy for those affected. 

They also teach prevention strategies, such as promoting healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and gender equality. By empowering individuals to recognise the signs of GBV, psychologists help build informed, supportive communities equipped to prevent and address violence. 

A key element in raising awareness about GBV lies in the power of social media platforms. For instance, the Instagram page @womenforchangesa serves as a vital resource in South Africa, shedding light on the injustices faced by women while providing essential information on GBV. This includes helplines, educational content on GBV-related terminology, and a supportive community platform. By offering these resources, @womenforchangesa empowers individuals to take action and seek help when needed.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s Story

Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic death highlights the deadly impact of GBV, even on public figures like successful athletes. Despite her achievements as an Olympic runner, she fell victim to domestic violence, showing that no one is immune to abusive relationships. Cheptegei’s case reflects a growing trend of femicide in Africa, where GBV often goes unaddressed. 

Rebecca’s death also exposes the societal and cultural challenges that allow GBV to persist, especially in areas with weak enforcement of laws. Psychologists play a key role in raising awareness, advocating for stronger legal protections, and promoting education on healthy relationships and emotional regulation. 

Cheptegei’s story underscores the urgent need for long-term GBV prevention. Psychologists not only help survivors heal but also drive societal change by advocating for gender equality, education, and policy reform, working to create a future where GBV is no longer tolerated. 

SACAP’s Role in Standing with Survivors

SACAP provides training programs for mental health professionals, focusing on trauma-informed care and the specific needs of GBV survivors. This equips graduates with the skills to effectively support and counsel individuals affected by GBV. 

SACAP focuses on fostering a network of support for students and graduates working in the field, allowing them to share experiences, resources, and strategies for effectively helping individuals like GBV survivors 

Are you interested in helping survivors of Gender-Based Violence? Consider completing an accredited qualification in Applied Psychology at SACAP.

Disclaimer: This article has been reviewed and edited by SACAP Academic staff.

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