Beyond the Bruises: The Hidden Health Effects of Gender Based Violence

By Kafayat Busari

When Fatima walked into the emergency room with a broken wrist, the nurse noticed more than physical pain — she saw fear. Her eyes avoided contact, her movements were hesitant, and her body seemed tense even while sitting. The bruises told one story, but the invisible wounds told another.

Gender based violence is not just physical; it is a silent crisis that affects the mental, emotional, and reproductive health of millions of women worldwide. Behind every injury, there may be years of anxiety, depression, and trauma that go untreated.

The Scope of the Problem

The World Health Organization reports that one in three women globally will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often by a partner. These experiences leave long-term consequences on health, well-being, and quality of life.

Physical injuries are the most visible impact, but the hidden effects are often far more debilitating:

• Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder

• Reproductive health complications, including unintended pregnancies, miscarriages, and sexually transmitted infections

• Chronic physical conditions like hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic pain

Why Violence Remains Invisible

Many women do not report abuse due to stigma, fear of retaliation, financial dependence, or cultural expectations. In some societies, women are told to endure abuse silently, leading to delayed care and worsening health outcomes.

Fatima, for example, hid her injuries for weeks, fearful that speaking out would bring shame to her family. By the time she sought medical help, the emotional trauma was as severe as the physical injury.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for survivors, but without proper training, abuse may go unnoticed. Trauma-informed care is essential. This approach emphasizes listening, validating experiences, and providing safe, confidential support.

Screening for signs of abuse, providing counseling services, and connecting women to social support networks can save lives and prevent long-term health consequences. Hospitals and clinics can act as safe spaces where women are seen and believed.

Community Awareness and Prevention

Ending gender based violence requires a holistic approach. Community education programs, youth mentorship, and campaigns that challenge societal norms are crucial. When families, neighbors, and local leaders actively speak against abuse, the culture of silence begins to break.

Programs such as Safe Haven Africa and UN Women community initiatives provide survivors with access to legal aid, counseling, and safe shelter. They also empower women to regain autonomy and rebuild their lives.

Mental Health: The Invisible Bruise

Emotional trauma from violence often manifests as anxiety, insomnia, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others. Survivors frequently experience long-term mental health challenges if left unaddressed.

Seventeen-year-old Zara from Lagos described her experience: “Even when I was safe at home, I felt trapped in my own mind. I could not sleep. I could not focus. I felt invisible.”

Programs that provide therapy, peer support, and safe spaces can help survivors process trauma, regain confidence, and reintegrate into society. Mental health care is not optional; it is essential to the recovery of every survivor.

Policy and Protection

Governments must strengthen laws and enforce protections for women at risk. National and local policies that provide legal recourse, protect survivors from retaliation, and ensure access to health services can drastically reduce the impact of violence.

Awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and communities also play a vital role in prevention. Education about consent, healthy relationships, and gender equality empowers young people to challenge cycles of abuse before they begin.

Conclusion

Gender based violence leaves wounds that are often invisible but deeply harmful. Physical injury may heal, but the emotional, mental, and reproductive consequences can last a lifetime.

When survivors are believed, supported, and given access to healthcare and education, they can rebuild their lives and break the cycle for future generations.

Fatima, after receiving counseling and medical care, has become an advocate for young women in her community. She teaches them that seeking help is not weakness, and that healing is possible.

Ending gender based violence is not just about protecting women from harm. It is about safeguarding their health, dignity, and the potential of entire communities. Because every woman deserves to live free from fear and thrive in health.