The 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is over and people are ready to jump into the festive season and forget about it while enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation. The activism is over for many, but the pain will only intensify for thousands of women as the “festive” season progresses.
The numbers of gender violence (GBV) increase during the holidays. Last year, the nonprofit Tears Foundation, which operates a 24/7 hotline for victims, received about 43,000 calls from victims of gender-based violence during the holiday season alone. . There are 43,000 women who had the courage to ask for help.
What happens to those who don’t come close? What about women who are so afraid of their partner and the circumstances that they would not dare to say that they are victims of abuse?
These are the women who are likely to spiral into an abyss of depression and mental degradation before the day their partner goes too far and their life is snuffed out before any of their friends and family realize how bad they are at reality.
According to South African Police Service statistics, 988 women were killed by domestic violence in South Africa between April 2020 and September 2022. South African Statistics says that almost 50% of gender-based violence assaults are committed by someone close to them. the victim and 15% of these are committed by a spouse or intimate partner.
Data from the Afrocentric Group, which manages the medical aid claims of almost four million South Africans, shows an increasing trend of mental health conditions such as depression. Mental illness can lead to gender-based violence, and the associated trauma can also trigger an acute or chronic experience of psychological stress.
What the data also suggests is that the true prevalence of depression may actually be twice what was previously thought. Even more worrisome is that almost half of this population requires hospitalization. This reality, combined with the growing socioeconomic pressures, contribute to the escalation of the situation in our country.
Although physical abuse is the telltale sign of gender-based violence, the abuser doesn’t always leave a black eye or bruise on display. Sometimes the victim feels very ashamed, feels responsible, or is even convinced that nothing is wrong, and so they will do everything in their power to hide the signs.
It is important that friends and loved ones of victims of gender-based violence are aware of signs that their daughter, sister or friend is being abused beyond the physical.
Sometimes when the victim’s personality changes and seems a little off, it could be a sign of a much deeper problem. These could include:
- cut ties and isolate
- Rise in claims that things are too private to share
- Last minute cancellations to social events
- Lack of control of their own money and expenses.
- A general increase in calm and reserve; often lost in their own thoughts
- A sudden increase in anxiety and fear, or flinching when touched
Of course, there are some general signs that someone you love is sinking into depression, which is likely to happen when the abuse they’re experiencing is emotional. Be on the lookout for:
- Sudden episodes of depression and anxiety.
- Self-medication with alcohol or drugs
- Increased tiredness and fatigue.
- Suicidal tendencies
While these are general signs of depression, it’s important to understand who your partner is and how you’ve seen them interact. You’d rather be wrong and say something than remain silent and let the situation get worse.
Don’t let a woman’s cry for help fall on deaf ears, as she may be the next to be hospitalized or, worse yet, another statistic in the tragic reality of gender-based violence in South Africa. We need 365 days of activism if we want to end this scourge. And start with those who are closest to you. Watch for the signs and offer your support.
Aimée Wesso-Roberts is the functional head of lifestyle and wellness management at Medscheme
