1. Women's experiences of gender based violence and sexual abuse told through creative expression
Please note: This resource contains real-life accounts from survivors of gender based violence and sexual abuse which some people may find upsetting. Please see the online resources page at the end for information regarding services and support.
Gender based violence and sexual abuse has a significant impact on the lives and health of all women who experience it. It also impacts on the well being of the wider family including children. Globally, it is a significant public health and societal issue.
Whilst the experience and impact of abuse will be different for every woman there are particular cultural and societal differences. Gender-based violence and sexual abuse has historically been largely invisible within the ongoing debate around domestic violence and abuse. As a result, these differences may not have adequately been accounted for. It is also important to acknowledge that while abuse may have ended, for the women who experienced it, they may still experience significant physical and psychological health issues which impacts on their well-being.
In this resource women from South Africa share their personal stories of survivorship. In so doing so, they illustrate the particular impact of gender based violence and sexual abuse on their health and well-being. This illuminates the situation of other women within the gender based violence and sexual abuse discourse more broadly.
