Mental Health and Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Gender Based Violence is any act that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering. It is an abuse of power by one person to hurt or control someone who trusts and depends on them. GBV can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for victims and for those who are exposed to the violence. Any form of GBV is wrong and against the law!
Approximately 39 to 47 percent of Kenyan women experience GBV in their lifetime. Men are GBV survivors too with 5 percent for boys and 3 percent for men.
Don’t be silent! If you or someone you know is experiencing GBV, say something! Do something! Seeking help is your first step!
At Wezesha, we work with you to find knowledge, peace and safety through counselling. Adhering to Chiripas’ quote ” To be informed is to be empowered,” we support you to gain tools necessary to make sound decisions, advocate effectively for yourself and your loved ones, and navigate the complexities of your situation with confidence, boosting your self-esteem and quality of life. We put you on a road to recovery by helping you take steps to making informed decisions and choices about your safety, and, your physical, mental and emotional well being. We help you identify and recognize the signs and forms of abuse, and the consequences, to help you break from the violence and ultimately make informed and healthy decisions for your well-being and the well being of your loved ones.
Therapy Interventions
- Therapy Interventions include residential as well as community follow up and support.
- Individual and family psychotherapy.
- Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
- We utilize a 3 pronged approach: we offer counselling to victims of GBV, the children who witness GBV and the perpetrators of GBV.
Our first step is to ensure the safety and security of GBV victims. People involved in GBV often have a difficult time thinking clearly because they feel guilty of the situation they are in. Once in a safe place, we work with the abused partner to empower them to start thinking about taking actions to improve their current situation. Our therapists have deep understanding of dysfunctional family functioning and the cycles of abuse, hence offer the support, validation and empowerment to the victims of abuse to enable them make healthy and safe choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Children who witness or are victims of GBV suffer sometimes in silence, sometimes by engaging in negative behavior. These children may present with emotional problems such as depression and anxiety disorders that may impact their school and social connections. Our therapists help these children process the traumatic situations and teach them ways to cope with their difficulties.
Perpetrators of GBV usually come from families of origin where they witnessed abuse and have been victims themselves. They may repeat what they lived without being able to change or stop these negative cycles. These abusers often have anger management issues and lack the skills to handle stress. We offer treatment for abusers only when they have expressed an honest intention to commit to change.