Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has profound and far-reaching effects on survivors, impacting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. These effects can be immediate or long-term, and they often intersect, creating a complex web of challenges for survivors. Below is a detailed discussion of these impacts:

PHYSICAL EFFECTS

• Injuries and Trauma: Survivors of SGBV often suffer physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, fractures, or internal injuries. In severe cases, they may experience life-threatening conditions.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues: SGBV can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, unwanted pregnancies, and complications during childbirth. Survivors may also experience chronic pain, urinary tract infections, or gynecological problems.
• Disability: In some cases, physical violence can result in permanent disabilities, such as loss of mobility or disfigurement.
• Fatigue and Sleep Disorders: Survivors may experience chronic fatigue, insomnia, or other sleep disturbances due to the trauma.
• Death: In extreme cases, SGBV can result in death, either directly (e.g., homicide) or indirectly (e.g., suicide or complications from injuries).

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS

• Shame and Guilt: Survivors often internalize the violence, blaming themselves for what happened, which can lead to intense feelings of shame and guilt.
• Fear and Anxiety: Survivors may live in constant fear of their abuser or of experiencing violence again. This can manifest as generalized anxiety or panic attacks.
• Anger and Resentment: Survivors may feel anger toward their abuser, themselves, or even society for failing to protect them.
• Emotional Numbness: Some survivors may detach emotionally as a coping mechanism, leading to feelings of emptiness or an inability to connect with others.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors experience PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and severe anxiety related to the trauma.
• Depression: The psychological toll of SGBV often leads to depression, marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities.
• Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm: The overwhelming emotional and psychological pain can lead some survivors to contemplate or attempt suicide or engage in self-harming behaviors.
• Low Self-Esteem: Survivors may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy, which can affect their ability to form healthy relationships or pursue personal goals.
• Dissociation: Some survivors may experience dissociation, where they feel disconnected from their body or reality as a way to cope with the trauma.

SOCIAL AND INTERPERSONAL EFFECTS

• Stigma and Isolation: Survivors often face societal stigma, which can lead to social isolation, rejection by family or community, and difficulty reintegrating into society.
• Relationship Challenges: Trust issues, fear of intimacy, and difficulties in communication can strain personal relationships, including those with partners, family, and friends.
• Economic Dependence: Survivors may become economically dependent on their abusers or struggle to maintain employment due to the psychological and physical effects of violence.
• Impact on Children: Children who witness or experience SGBV may suffer emotional and behavioral problems, affecting their development and future relationships.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

• Loss of Income: Survivors may be unable to work due to physical or psychological injuries, leading to loss of income and financial instability.
• Healthcare Costs: The physical and mental health consequences of SGBV often require costly medical treatment and therapy.
• Reduced Productivity: Survivors may struggle to perform at work or school, affecting their career prospects and earning potential.
• Dependency: Economic abuse, a form of SGBV, can leave survivors financially dependent on their abusers, making it difficult to escape violent situations.

IMPACT ON EDUCATION

• School Dropouts: Children and adolescents who experience SGBV may drop out of school due to trauma, stigma, or the need to work or care for family members.
• Reduced Academic Performance: Survivors may struggle to concentrate or participate in school, affecting their academic performance and future opportunities.
• Fear of Violence: The threat of SGBV can deter girls and women from pursuing education, particularly in regions where schools are unsafe or lack adequate protections.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

• Chronic Health Conditions: The stress and trauma of SGBV can contribute to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and autoimmune disorders.
• Intergenerational Trauma: The effects of SGBV can extend to future generations, as survivors may struggle with parenting or pass on trauma-related behaviors to their children.
• Substance Abuse: Some survivors turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their pain, leading to addiction and further health complications.

BARRIERS TO RECOVERY

• Lack of Support Services: Many survivors face barriers to accessing medical, psychological, and legal support, which can hinder their recovery.
• Cultural and Institutional Barriers: Societal norms, victim-blaming attitudes, and inadequate legal systems can prevent survivors from seeking help or achieving justice.

CONCLUSION

The impact of SGBV is multifaceted and deeply damaging, affecting every aspect of a survivor’s life. Addressing these effects requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and societal change to eliminate stigma and prevent future violence. Survivors need a safe and supportive environment to heal and rebuild their lives.

References

[1] Gender-Based Violence (Violence Against Women and Girls) – World Bank Group

[2] Frontiers | Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Adolescents and …

[3] Understanding the causes and impacts of Gender-Based Violence to shed …