shloboe boe
Ashley Phiri, ashleyphiri66@gmail.com
“WE must normalise discussions about GBV at all levels, from primary schools, churches, and workplaces.”
As Zimbabwe and the rest of the world observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), health experts have warned of the grave adverse mental health consequences on children who witness violence and are sometimes physically affected.
In areas where GBV is prevalent, children often bear the brunt of the emotional and psychological fallout, suffering in silence as their lives are permanently damaged.
Dr Francis Siziba, a community psychologist based in Bulawayo highlighted in an interview, the alarming long-term effects of GBV on children’s mental health, revealing a troubling pattern that can impact them for a lifetime.
He noted that children raised in environments characterised by GBV often develop complex feelings of hatred towards the perpetrators. This internalised pain manifests in various ways, leading to withdrawal from social interactions and academic pursuits.
“Due to the trauma that these children experience, they may internalise their pain, which may lead to these children increasingly isolating themselves and struggling to connect with their peers,” said Dr Siziba.
“This can also negatively affect the academic performance of the children.”
The effects of GBV are not confined to those who experience it directly, he added, pointing out that children who witness violence in their communities can also suffer severe consequences.
“Children do not have to be direct victims of GBV, witnessing GBV happening to neighbours and other members of the community can affect the children.
“This can lead to the children adopting aggressive behaviours including bullying. This cycle of violence often continues into adulthood where these children may become bullies in workplace settings, perpetuating the very behaviours they witnessed in their formative years,” said Dr Siziba.
The repercussions of witnessing GBV can be dire, some children may feel so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they contemplate suicide, he added.
Others may seek drastic measures to escape their environments, such as early marriage or running away from home, which can further entrench them in cycles of violence and instability.
Dr Siziba explained that in some cases, the trauma can lead to substance abuse, as children seek ways to escape their reality through drugs and alcohol.
However, not all outcomes are negative, he noted, highlighting that some children emerge from these experiences with a determination to break the cycle of violence.
“While most of the children grow up and adopt aggressive behaviours, some of these children use that pain as a fuel that drives them to excel. “These individuals often become advocates for change, working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence in their families and for others in similar situations,” said Dr Siziba.
As part of solutions to the problem, he reiterated the need for ongoing conversations about GBV, advocating for awareness initiatives that extend beyond the traditional 16 Days of Activism.
“We must normalise discussions about GBV at all levels, from primary schools, churches and workplaces.
By addressing the issue head-on and creating safe spaces for dialogue, communities can begin to heal and protect future generations from the devastating effects of GBV,” he said
“As we reflect on the impacts of gender-based violence, it becomes clear that the mental health of our children is at stake. By fostering awareness and open conversations, we can work together to create a safer, more supportive environment for all.”
mbulelo smpofu
