“Gender-based violence doesn’t always leave visible bruises, but it always leaves deep emotional scars.” 

Long after the physical wounds have healed, survivors often carry the mental and emotional burden of their trauma. These invisible scars—fear, anxiety, depression, and shame—are deeply personal and tend to be misinterpreted or overlooked. The emotional scars that survivors bear may not heal for months, years, or in some cases, even a lifetime. Their mental health, self-worth, and general sense of security are all impacted by the abuse imposed on them. 

The effects of gender-based violence (GBV) don’t stop when the abuse ends.

Yet for many survivors, the stigma and silence that follow are just as painful as the violence itself. Without the right support, emotional healing may seem unattainable. Which is why, in this blog, we’ll help you:

• Recognize the impact GBV has on a survivor’s mental health.

• Find out why many survivors choose to remain silent or delay reporting. 

• Discover available support networks for emotional recovery and healing. 

No one should have to carry their trauma alone. Let’s end the taboo around the effects of GBV on mental health and start the conversation.

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What Happens to a Survivor After GBV?
Depending on the type of abuse, the support that follows, and their overall mental health, survivors may have a wide range of psychological reactions. Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) is among the most prevalent conditions experienced by many. Flashbacks, nightmares, or intense emotional responses to particular noises, smells, or locations are common symptoms of an actual traumatic condition. 

On the other hand, anxiety often becomes part of their daily life—the constant fear and stress might lead to experiencing constant panic attacks. Another common consequence is depression. For some, even getting out of bed seems like a hustle or a challenge. Perhaps the most heartbreaking is the feeling of shame that follows through. Survivors tend to fall under the act of blaming themselves for the abuse, questioning their own worth, or wondering if they somehow caused it. This internalized guilt might make it difficult to trust others or even themselves again. 

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Why Many Survivors Don’t Speak Up
“Why don’t they report it?” is an easy question to ask. But fear, trauma, and a lack of support can all be the main causes of silence. In other words:

1. Fear of Retaliation: Many survivors worry that if they come forward, the abuser will threaten them or would lead to more violence. 
2. Social Stigma: Often, if not always, discussing abuse is viewed as disgraceful to many. Survivors may fear being judged, criticized, or even cast out by their close ones.
3. Lack of Trust in Authorities: Survivors may believe that reporting won’t help—or even worse—after having bad experiences in the past or learning about how others were rejected or re-traumatized. 
4. Emotional Exhaustion: When someone is already struggling with trauma, the thought of repeating their story or navigating legal procedures can be overwhelming. 

The silence doesn’t mean the violence wasn’t real. It means the world didn’t feel secure enough to disclose. 

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How Can Survivors Begin to Heal?
With the right care and support, it is possible to recover from the psychological impacts of GBV, even if recovery is never linear. In this process, therapy can play a vital role. Trauma-informed therapists are trained to offer survivors unconditional care, assisting them in processing traumatic experiences and creating constructive coping mechanisms. Additionally, a sense of community is provided to survivors through support groups, making them less lonely and more empowered. 

Likewise, helplines and crisis services provide immediate, private assistance whenever needed. Talking to a qualified counselor can make survivors feel less alone, heard, and validated. 

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FAQ

Is it normal to feel guilty after experiencing GBV?

Yes, unfortunately, it is common—but completely undeserved. Abuse is never the victim’s fault.

How can I help someone going through this?

Listen without judgment. Encourage them to seek professional help. Share resources like helplines or the Safecity App. Most importantly, believe them.

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Take the First Step Towards Emotional Recovery

The first step to healing is acknowledging the psychological tool that gender-based abuse takes. Regardless of whether you are a survivor or someone who is helping one, keep in mind that recovery is achievable and support is accessible.