Breaking the cycle starts with acknowledging Recent research conducted by the Mental Wellness Initiative (MWI) on what is required to bring about healing from GBV in the South African context, indicates that greater access to talk therapies, a robust justice system, and greater availability of programmes for men wounded by sexual violence, intimate partner violence, or witnessing GBV as children, are essential, as are programmes for perpetrators essential for healing to occur and for the cycle of violence to be broken. (3) When those wounded by GBV and/or sexual violence are empowered to seek help and healing, they are better equipped to speak about and break free from the chains of this trauma. Breaking the cycle starts with acknowledging the trauma, healing, and sharing experiences to inspire change. By doing so, those who have been impacted can pave the way for a future where GBV is a thing of the past, and the beautiful diversity of South Africa can flourish without fear.
I find it difficult to speak out because ...
It has been nine years since I worked with the girls in the DRC, but for nine years I have had the privilege of hearing stories of breakthroughs, of girls saying “You loved me when I was loveless, and you did not even know my story. This made me decide to love my little son, a product of rape.”
the trauma, healing, and sharing
“I have thrown off my past and pulled my future into my present. I now own my story.”
Can you own your story and begin your own healing journey? Is it not time for your ‘fear to scatter’ and for ‘the pain that sticks to your heart’ to be faced? There is such power in doing so, but, like those girls, and so many others, you do not have to do it alone. Reach out, we are here to help as you give voice to your story and begin your healing journey.
experiences to inspire change.
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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