Beyond the Bruises: Breaking the Silence on the Mental Health Impact of Gender-Based Violence

A Message from WISH Founder Chaneil Imhoff for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Dear WISH Family, Advocates, and Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans,

As we begin this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I find myself reflecting deeply on the complex web of trauma, resilience, and healing that defines our work at WISH. The statistics we encounter – one woman killed every 11 minutes globally, nearly 89,000 lives lost in 2022 – are more than just numbers on a page. They represent shattered families, broken dreams, and communities forever changed. Yet behind these stark figures lies an even more pervasive reality: the profound psychological trauma that ripples through generations.

In my years of working in communities throughout Antigua and Barbuda, I’ve witnessed how the mental scars of gender-based violence manifest in countless ways. These wounds don’t always leave visible marks, but their impact runs deep through the fabric of our society. We see it in the mother who startles at sudden movements, decades after escaping an abusive relationship. We recognize it in the young professional who struggles with intimate relationships because childhood trauma has taught her that love and violence are intertwined. We hear it in the trembling voice of a survivor who, despite achieving career success, still battles daily with feelings of worthlessness instilled by years of emotional abuse.

Here in Antigua and Barbuda, we face a unique challenge. Our close-knit island community, while a source of strength in many ways, can sometimes intensify the psychological burden of gender-based violence. The fear of judgment, the weight of shame, the pressure to maintain appearances – these cultural dynamics can compound the mental health challenges that survivors face. When everyone knows everyone, the courage required to seek help becomes even greater.

This is precisely why WISH exists, and why our approach to mental health must be as nuanced and comprehensive as the trauma we address. We understand that healing from gender-based violence isn’t a linear journey. It’s not simply about moving from victim to survivor; it’s about reclaiming one’s whole self – mind, body, and spirit. The panic attacks, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and complex trauma responses we see are not signs of weakness. They are the mind’s natural response to unnaturally violent experiences, and they deserve our most careful and committed attention.

As we reflect on this year’s theme, “UNITE to End Violence Against Women,” I want to address several critical aspects of mental health and violence that often go unspoken:

Intergenerational Trauma: We must acknowledge how the mental health impacts of gender-based violence cascade through families. Children who witness abuse or grow up in environments of fear don’t just observe trauma – they inherit it. Their nervous systems adapt to survive, often carrying these adaptations into adulthood and their own relationships. 

Cultural Stigma and Mental Health: In our Caribbean context, we must confront the double stigma that survivors face – both around their experiences of violence and their mental health needs. The old saying “what happens in the house stays in the house” has silenced too many for too long. 

The Complexity of Recovery: Healing from gender-based violence isn’t just about processing past trauma – it’s about rebuilding one’s entire sense of self. Many survivors struggle with questions of identity, worth, and purpose. The mental health support needed must address not just the trauma itself, but help individuals rediscover who they are beyond their experiences of violence.

Economic Impact: We cannot ignore how mental health challenges stemming from gender-based violence affect survivors’ economic independence. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD can impact job performance, career advancement, and financial decision-making. Our mental health support must therefore include practical strategies for managing these impacts in the workplace and beyond.

Digital Violence and Mental Health: In today’s connected world, abuse doesn’t end when physical distance is created. Cyberstalking, online harassment, and digital abuse can create persistent psychological stress that follows survivors everywhere they go. Our mental health approaches must evolve to address these modern forms of violence.

As we commemorate these 16 Days of Activism, I call on every member of our community to deepen their understanding of how gender-based violence impacts mental health. This isn’t just about supporting WISH’s mission – it’s about fundamentally transforming how we view both violence and mental health in our society.

To survivors reading this: Your mental health journey matters. The nightmares, the flashbacks, the moments of overwhelming anxiety – these are not signs of weakness, but of a spirit that has endured too much. At WISH, we see you. We understand that healing takes time, and we’re here to support you through every step of that journey.

To those still living in situations of violence: Your mental health matters. The confusion, fear, and self-doubt you’re experiencing are not your fault. They are natural responses to unnatural circumstances. 

To our supporters and allies: Your role in addressing the mental health impacts of gender-based violence is crucial. By understanding these impacts, by speaking out against violence, by supporting organizations like WISH, you help create an environment where healing is possible.

As we look toward the future, WISH remains committed to expanding our mental health services, breaking down barriers to access, and creating innovative programs that address the full spectrum of trauma recovery. We envision an Antigua and Barbuda where survivors have access to culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health care, and where the psychological impacts of gender-based violence are understood and addressed at every level of society.

At WISH, we believe in the power of collective healing. Every time a safe space is created for someone to share their story, every time counseling is provided that helps someone sleep through the night again, every time someone understands that they’re not alone in their healing journey – we’re not just supporting individual recovery, we’re strengthening our entire community.

The mental scars of gender-based violence may run deep, but our commitment to healing runs deeper. Together, we can transform trauma into triumph, fear into freedom, and silence into strength.

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