Research

On the 23rd of August 2023, the Mental Wellness Initiative hosted a webinar to unveil the findings of a recently concluded research project in South Africa’s top seven Gender-Based Violence (GBV) hotspots. The research, titled “Healing from Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: An Exploratory View of the Landscape, Examining Barriers, Perceptions, and Healing Practices,” revealed a population enduring extraordinary pain, coupled with severely limited access to essential support services, and inconsistent policing and justice interventions. It also yielded a wealth of unexpected insights into perceptions of traditional healing methods, the role played by stigma, and the potential for GBV-responsive programming aimed at men.

This research marks a pivotal stride in comprehending the intricate web of issues intertwined with GBV. By accentuating the challenges and nuances of healing and recovery, the findings underscore the urgency of adopting a comprehensive approach to address this pervasive societal concern. The Mental Wellness Initiative’s commitment to shedding light on these matters is evident, and the webinar served as a beacon of insight and advocacy, giving hope to a path of meaningful change.