PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN POST-CONFLICT SETTINGS: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY IN HYDERABAD
Main Article Content
Keywords
Sexual violence, psychological well-being, post-conflict settings, emergency department, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad.
Abstract
Background: Sexual violence is a widespread problem in post-conflict areas, severely impacting the mental health of survivors, including adults. Recognizing the scope and characteristics of this effect is vital for providing appropriate help and support. Objectives: To explore the psychological effects of sexual violence on adults in a post-conflict context, targeting patients who presented to the Emergency Department of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. Method: The study reviewed the medical records of 120 patients who reported sexual violence between January 2022 and December 2023. The analysis looked at the type of violence, patient demographics, and results from psychological assessments.
Results: The study found a strong link between sexual violence and negative mental health outcomes in adults. Adults commonly experienced anxiety, depression, and PTSD, behavioral problems, and difficulties with social interactions. Females were more frequently affected than males across all age groups. Conclusion: Sexual violence has a deep and lasting impact on the mental health of survivors in post-conflict areas. Early detection and comprehensive support, along with specific interventions, are key to minimizing the trauma's negative effects.
References
2. Rajkumar RP. Access to Mental Health Care in South Asia: Variations of Challenges and Ways Forward. InAccess to Mental Health Care in South Asia: Current Status, Potential Challenges, and Ways Out 2024 Apr 7 (pp. 155-196). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
3. Joseph J, Jaswal S. Centrifugal Disasters: Trajectories of Vulnerability, Recovery and Resilience. Taylor & Francis; 2023 Sep 28.
4. Obe MO, Lees A. Widows Speak Out.
5. Bera GK, Sinha AC, Valk Ü, Singarayar SV, Marak Q, Sarmah U, Chakraborty S, Sahoo RH, Akter S, Bhattacharya S, Chatterjee R. Anthropos India.
6. Key N. Newborn Health Conference. InBMC Proceedings 2024 (Vol. 18, No. 5, p. 6).
7. Bhatnagar S. Women’s Empowerment & Gender Parity: Gender Sensitization-Book 1. Notion Press; 2020 Dec 4.
8. Coca-Stefaniak AM, Andres J. Routledge Handbook of Tourism Cities. Routledge; 2020 Aug 27.
9. Goldin I, Muggah R. Terra incognita: 100 maps to survive the next 100 years. Random House; 2020 Aug 27.
10. Alleyne-Green B, Kulick A, Grocher K, Betancourt TS. Physical and sexual violence experienced by male war-affected youth: Implications for post-conflict functioning and intimate relationships. Journal of interpersonal violence. 2021 May;36(9-10):NP4874-90.
11. Burgess RA, Fonseca L. Re-thinking recovery in post-conflict settings: Supporting the mental well being of communities in Colombia. Global public health. 2020 Feb 1;15(2):200-19.
12. Verelst A, Bal S, De Schryver M, Say Kana N, Broekaert E, Derluyn I. The impact of avoidant/disengagement coping and social support on the mental health of adolescent victims of sexual violence in eastern Congo. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2020 Jun 19;11:382.
13. Woldetsadik MA, Acan G, Odiya OI. The enduring consequences of conflict-related sexual violence: a qualitative study of women survivors in northern Uganda. Conflict and health. 2022 Apr 11;16(1):16.
14. Woldetsadik MA, Acan G, Odiya OI. Becoming Secondary Survivors: Exploring the Effects of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on the Health and Well-Being of Families in Northern Uganda. Journal of interpersonal violence. 2023 Feb;38(3-4):3395-420.
15. Natukunda HP, Mubiri P, Cluver LD, Ddumba-Nyanzi I, Bukenya B, Walakira EJ. Which factors are associated with adolescent reports of experiencing various forms of abuse at the family level in post-conflict Northern Uganda?. Journal of interpersonal violence. 2021 Nov;36(21-22):NP12067 96.
16. Simancas-Fernández MR, Celedón-Rivero JC, Salas-Picón WM, Salgado-Ruiz DE, Echeverry Londoño MC, Vásquez-Campos JH, Guarch-Rubio M, Manzanero AL. Trauma, reparation, and quality of life in victims of armed conflict after peace agreements. Anuario de psicología jurídica. 2022;32(1):79-86.
17. Denov M, Eramian L, Shevell MC. “You feel like you belong nowhere”: Conflict-related sexual violence and social identity in post-genocide Rwanda. Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal. 2020;14(1):6.
18. Lugova H, Samad N, Haque M. Sexual and gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Post-conflict scenario. Risk management and healthcare policy. 2020 Dec 9:2937-48.
19. GEBREKRISTOS M. ASSESSMENT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE TRAUMA, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STRAIN IN ARMED CONFLICTS: THE CASE OF GIRLS AND WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CONFLICT IN TIGRAY (Doctoral dissertation, ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY).
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr. Nadia Aslam
Lecturer, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Dr. Sono Mal
Professor & Chairperson, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Asiya Parveen
Lecturer, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Bilawal Medical College, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Dr Mashooque Ali
Major (Rtd) TI(M), Associate Professor & HoD, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Watim Medical College, Rawat Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Farooq Ahmed Abro
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chandka Medical College, Larkana, Pakistan
Dr Samina
Professor, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan