COVID-19 feminist framework and biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective for social workers and mental health practitioners to manage violence, abuse, and trauma against children, women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ during and post-COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282110671
Author(s):  
Sonia Mukhtar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Mental Health Practitioners ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Spiritual Perspective ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Individual

This article explains the integrated implementation of a COVID-19 Feminist Framework (CFF) and biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective (BPSS-P) on the inclusive equitability of social service providers, practitioners, and policy-developers on global platforms. Mechanisms of CFF and BPSS-P entail the process to address/mitigate institutional inequities, mental health issues, violation of human rights, race/sex/gender-based violence, abuse, and trauma amid COVID-19. This discourse is about raising consciousness, collective liberation, wellbeing, and equality for women, children, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and gender-diverse people. This article further discusses social workers and mental health practitioners’ uniqueness for short-term and long-term support for emotional, cognitive-behavioral, and psychosocial repercussions on the individual and community levels.

scholarly journals Risk of Gender-Based Violence and Poor Mental Health Among Nepalese Women During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Lalita Kumari Sah ◽  
Prabhu Sah ◽  
Manoj Kumar Yadav ◽  
Surya B. Parajuli ◽  
Rinku Shah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
Limited Health ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Financial Dependency

During Covid-19 pandemic, gender-based violence (GBV) against women and poor mental health with limited health service access for women have received paramount attention among researchers, policy makers, health professionals and healthcare service providers. This paper presents a review of published articles in an attempt to understand GBV and poor mental health among Nepalese women in the context of Covid-19. Evidence suggests that gender inequality and gender-based violence have played a significant role in increasing mental health issues among women during the pandemic. Social factors such as low education, financial dependency, lack of support system, limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness about the GBV laws, and cultural norms that put women in the lower position within the society are the realities of majority of Nepalese women. These factors intersect each other and present compounded risks that put women at more vulnerable position than others, which is further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic putting Nepalese women at risks of GBV and poor mental health compared to men in the society. The paper also recommends actions that are required to address the GBV and poor mental health among Nepalese women.

scholarly journals Perceptions of traditional health practitioners on violence in the Helderberg Municipal Area, Western Cape

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Setting ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Traditional Health Practitioners ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

This study on perceptions of violence was conducted with 56 traditional health practitioners (diviners: amagrirha) in the Helderberg Municipal Area of Cape Town Metro. It forms a subsection of a larger study on African medicine. This particular research focuses on how traditional health practitioners perceive violence, including gender-related violence. Individual, in-depth interviews were done with 21 traditional health practitioners and focus group discussions were held with 35 participants. The paper reports on their understanding of, as well as the meanings attached to, community and gender-based violence in an urban setting. The traditional health practitioners related violence to a range of disconnections in society, ranging from not adhering to traditional norms and practices, to breaks in relations between parents and children, within families and in marital- and sexual relations. They referred to a general sense of disjuncture between the living and the ancestral worlds. The accumulative effect of this sense of not being connected was seen as damaging and a precursor to violence. In two sites where there were high concentrations of violence, ceremonies were held to purify the areas by ritual. In addition to attending to the physical manifestations of illness, distress and violence, these traditional health practitioners attempted to enhance and restore proper social relationships between the living, as well as between the living and the dead.Hierdie studie oor persepsies van geweld is gedoen met 56 tradisionele gesondheidspraktisyns (waarsêers: amagrirha) in die Helderberg Munisipale gebied van Kaapstad Metro. Dit vorm deel van ’n groter studie gerig op Afrika-medisyne. Hierdie spesifieke navorsing fokus op hoe tradisionele gesondheidspraktisyns geweld beskou, insluitende geslags-gebaseerde geweld. individuele, in-diepte onderhoude is gevoer met 21 tradisionele gesondheidspraktisyns en fokusgroepbesprekings is gehou met 35 deelnemers. Die artikel doen verslag oor hoe tradisionele gesondheidspraktisyns gemeenskaps- en geslags-gebaseerde geweld verstaan en daaran betekenis heg in ’n stedelike opset. Die tradisionele gesondheidspraktisyns verbind geweld met ’n reeks diskonneksies in die gemeenskap, wat wissel van ’n gebrek aan gehoor ten opsigte van tradisionale norme en praktyke tot verbrokkeling van verhoudings tussen ouers en kinders, binne families en in huweliks- en geslagsverhoudings. Hulle het verwys na ’n algemene persepsie van ontwrigting tussen die lewendes en die wêreld van die voorouers. Die akkumulatiewe effek van hierdie gevoel van verbrokkeling word gesien as afbrekend en ’n voorspel tot geweld. In twee plekke waar daar hoë konsentrasies van geweld was, is seremonies gehou om die areas ritueel te reining. Bykomend tot die aandag aan fisiese manifestasies van siekte, nood en geweld, het hierdie tradisionale gesondheidspraktisyns gepoog om behoorlike sosiale verhoudings tussen die lewendes te verbeter en te herstel, sowel as tussen die lewendes en die gestorwenes.

scholarly journals The potential role of network-oriented interventions for survivors of violence among refugees in Belgium

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilomo Ogbe ◽  
Alaa Jbour ◽  
Ladan Rahbari ◽  
Maya Unnithan ◽  
Olivier Degomme
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Repeat Victimization ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Domestic Violence Survivors

Abstract Introduction Social support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. Network oriented strategies have been advocated for among domestic violence survivors, as they help build on improving social support and addressing factors that alleviate repeat victimization. There are opportunities to implement such strategies among refugees, who are survivors of SGBV in asylum centres, however, this has not been fully explored. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among refugees at these centres. Methods: 27 interviews, were conducted with service providers (n=14) and refugees (n=13) at three asylum centres in Belgium. Deductive coding was performed independently by two researchers based on pre-identified research questions, when new findings emerged outside the themes, open coding was done. Data triangulation was used with findings from observations at these centres over a period of a year. Findings: Many of the refugees presented with PTSD or psychosomatic symptoms, because of SGBV or other trauma experienced during migration. Peer and family support were very influential in mitigating the effects and social costs of violence among the refugees by providing emotional and material support. Social assistants were viewed as an information resource that was essential for most of the refugees. Peer-peer support was identified as a potential tool for mitigating the effects of SGBV

Personal Faith and Professional Ethics: Best Practice with the Families of Sexual and Gender Minority Youths

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-372
Author(s):  
Sloan Okrey Anderson ◽  
Jenifer K McGuire
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Gender And Sexuality ◽  
Mental Health Practitioners ◽  
Gender Minority ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minority ◽  
Therapeutic Services ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Religious mental health practitioners who hold traditional views of gender and sexuality may face moral and ethical dilemmas when working with sexual and gender minority (SGM) clients. Typical responses to this dilemma include selective positioning, values-based referrals, and attempted objectivity. Grounded in social work ethics and values, this article examines the evidence base, viability, and repercussions of these approaches. This article demonstrates the importance of cultural competence and affirmative therapeutic practices for religious mental health practitioners, whether or not they expect to work with gender and sexual minority clients or their families. In addition, the author tackles the difficult issue of providing ethical, evidence-based therapeutic services for religiously conservative parents of SGM children and adolescents. SGM people exist in every community, in every faith, and in every kind of family. The ethical treatment of SGM clients is relevant to all mental health practitioners, regardless of personal values or the type of practice they maintain.

scholarly journals Exploring the mental health and psychosocial problems of Congolese refugees living in refugee settings in Rwanda and Uganda: a rapid qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Chiumento ◽  
Theoneste Rutayisire ◽  
Emmanuel Sarabwe ◽  
M. Tasdik Hasan ◽  
Rosco Kasujja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Free List ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Refugees fleeing conflict often experience poor mental health due to experiences in their country of origin, during displacement, and in new host environments. Conditions in refugee camps and settlements, and the wider socio-political and economic context of refugees’ lives, create structural conditions that compound the effects of previous adversity. Mental health and psychosocial support services must address the daily stressors and adversities refugees face by being grounded in the lived reality of refugee’s lives and addressing issues relevant to them. Methods We undertook a rapid qualitative study between March and May 2019 to understand the local prioritisation of problems facing Congolese refugees living in two refugee settings in Uganda and Rwanda. Thirty free list interviews were conducted in each setting, followed by 11 key informant interviews in Uganda and 12 in Rwanda. Results Results from all interviews were thematically analysed following a deductive process by the in-country research teams. Free list interview findings highlight priority problems of basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare access; alongside contextual social problems including discrimination/inequity and a lack of gender equality. Priority problems relating to mental and psychosocial health explored in key informant interviews include discrimination and inequity; alcohol and substance abuse; and violence and gender-based violence. Conclusions Our findings strongly resonate with models of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing that emphasise their socially determined and contextually embedded nature. Specifically, findings foreground the structural conditions of refugees’ lives such as the physical organisation of camp spaces or refugee policies that are stigmatising through restricting the right to work or pursue education. This structural environment can lead to disruptions in social relationships at the familial and community levels, giving rise to discrimination/inequity and gender-based violence. Therefore, our findings foreground that one consequence of living in situations of pervasive adversity caused by experiences of discrimination, inequity, and violence is poor mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. This understanding reinforces the relevance of feasible and acceptable intervention approaches that aim to strengthening familial and community-level social relationships, building upon existing community resources to promote positive mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among Congolese refugees in these settings.

scholarly journals Study protocol for a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of rape on women’s health and their use of health services in South Africa

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e017296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeemah Abrahams ◽  
Soraya Seedat ◽  
Carl Lombard ◽  
Andre P Kengne ◽  
Bronwyn Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionSouth Africa is a country known for its high levels of HIV infection and sexual violence. Although the interface between gender-based violence, HIV and mental health has been described, there are substantial gaps in knowledge of the medium-term and long-term health impact. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease study excluded many health outcomes associated with rape and other forms of gender-based violence because systematic reviews revealed huge gaps in data and poor evidence of health effects. This study aims to describe the incidence and attributable burden of physical and mental health problems (including HIV acquisition) in adult women over a 2-year postrape period, through comparison with a cohort of women who have not been raped. The study will substantially advance our understanding of the impact of rape and will generate robust data to assist in the development of postrape health services and the delivery of evidence-based care.Methods and analysisThis longitudinal study seeks to recruit 1008 rape-exposed and 1008 rape non-exposed women. Women were recruited from health services, and assessments were carried out at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Outcome measures include exposure to risk factors; mental health status; cardio-metabolic risks; and biomarkers for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and stress. The primary analysis will be to compare HIV incidence in the two groups using log-rank tests. Appropriate models to predict health outcomes over time will also be applied.Ethics and disseminationThe South African Medical Research Council’s Ethics Committee approved the study. As rape is a key element of the study, the safety and protection of participants guides the research process. We will adopt a research uptake strategy to ensure dissemination to policy makers, service providers and advocacy groups. Peer-reviewed journal articles will be published.

Gendered dimensions of the 2004 tsunami and a potential social work response in post-disaster situations

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen Pittaway ◽  
Linda Bartolomei ◽  
Susan Rees
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
De Re ◽  
Las Mujeres ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
2004 Tsunami ◽  
Post Disaster

English The majority of people who died in the 2004 tsunami were women. Women endured rape, and sexual and gender-based violence in camps and places of supposed refuge. Similar reports have come from other disasters. This article examines the roles that social workers can take to respond to these issues. French La majorité des personnes emporté es par le tsunami de 2004 é taient des femmes. Par ailleurs, les femmes sont victimes de viol et subissent d'autres types d'agressions sexuelles et de violence lié e au genre dans les camps de ré fugié s ou les lieux dits de refuge. On relè ve les mêmes constats dans d'autres situations de catastrophe. Cette é tude examine l'apport potentiel des travailleurs sociaux face à ces enjeux. Spanish La mayoría de la gente que muró en el tsunami de 2004 eran mujeres. Las mujeres soportaron el rapto y la violencia sexual y de gé nero en campos y lugares supuestamente de refugio. Reportes similares provienen de otros desastres. Este artículo examina los roles que los trabajadores sociales pueden asumir para responder a estos temas.

scholarly journals Health Status and Health Care Needs of Drought-Related Migrants in the Horn of Africa—A Qualitative Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5917
Author(s):  
Kristina Lindvall ◽  
John Kinsman ◽  
Atakelti Abraha ◽  
Abdirisak Dalmar ◽  
Mohamed Farah Abdullahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Horn Of Africa ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, situated in the Horn of Africa, are highly vulnerable to climate change, which manifests itself through increasing temperatures, erratic rains and prolonged droughts. Millions of people have to flee from droughts or floods either as cross-border refugees or as internally displaced persons (IDPs). The aim of this study was to identify knowledge status and gaps regarding public health consequences of large-scale displacement in these countries. After a scoping review, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews during 2018 with 39 stakeholders from different disciplines and agencies in these three countries. A validation workshop was held with a selection of 13 interviewees and four project partners. Malnutrition and a lack of vaccination of displaced people are well-known challenges, while mental health problems and gender-based violence (GBV) are less visible to stakeholders. In particular, the needs of IDPs are not well understood. The treatment of mental health and GBV is insufficient, and IDPs have inadequate access to essential health services in refugee camps. Needs assessment and program evaluations with a patients’ perspective are either lacking or inadequate in most situations. The Horn of Africa is facing chronic food insecurity, poor population health and mass displacement. IDPs are an underserved group, and mental health services are lacking. A development approach is necessary that moves beyond emergency responses to the building of long-term resilience, the provision of livelihood support and protection to reduce displacement by droughts.

Effects of migration on women’s psychosocial health

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-140
Author(s):  
Mauro Carta ◽  
Giulia Cossu ◽  
Caterina La Cascia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
African Women ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

The scientific community and humanitarian organizations have produced a considerable amount of research on the mental health status of migrants. However, few studies have looked at the mental health of migrant women. This chapter is aimed to study this phenomenon, beginning with an examination of risks related to sexual and gender-based violence in the different steps of the migration process, and the psychological implications of the migratory process on Mediterranean African women in Europe. The migration and different forms of violence on women are associated with psychopathological manifestations such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, adaptation, and trauma- and stressor-related disorders. There is very limited knowledge on the lived experiences of migrant women and in future studies researchers should investigate the relationship between migration, gender, and mental health, in order to encourage the policies and prevention/treatment programmes for women and for psychosocial issues that may arise.

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