The health-related impacts and costs of violence against women and girls on survivors, households and communities in Ghana

Abstract

Past research on violence in Ghana primarily discusses domestic violence and some types of sexual violence, but lacks a comprehensive analysis of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and its wider costs and impacts. Our study on the social costs of VAWG is a unique contribution, which aims to fill that gap. Through indepth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with adult women and men, we explored the health impact of VAWG and the resulting social and economic consequences on survivors, their families and their communities. The research, which took place in the Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana, points to several physical and mental health outcomes among survivors including physical injuries and disability, as well as impacts on mental health such as anxiety and suicidal ideation. Many VAWG survivors also experience stigma and social isolation. Our findings also reveal that survivors’ families can bear various social and economic costs. Lack of public and private service provision and shelters for survivors heighten these impacts. Without institutional support for survivors, families and communities absorb these costs of VAWG.

Community cohesion and violence against women in Ghana, Pakistan, and South Sudan: A secondary data analysis

“…A possible explanation has been advanced in qualitative research conducted in Ghana. 32 In this study, researchers found that women in positions of leadership, who tend to have greater social networks, would hide violence they experienced to avoid being seen as unworthy of their roles. If it were known, their qualities as leaders would be contested, and they would have to give up their responsibilities within the community.…”

A Systematic Review of Public Stigmatization Toward Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…The most common public stigmatizing response identified ( n = 14), also exerted from the victim’s family and professionals, was holding women responsible for IPV when they disclosed abuse and looked for help (Barnett et al, 2016, Kenya; Childress et al, 2022, Kyrgyzstan; Mannell et al, 2018, Afghanistan; Thurston et al, 2016, China; among others). Women were blamed for the violence either for provoking it—if they did not fulfill the assigned gender role, such as being an obedient wife and faithful to the husband (Alvarado et al, 2018, Ghana; Furr, 2014, India; Muuo et al, 2020, Kenya; Thurston et al, 2016, China), for choosing the wrong husband (Alvarado et al, 2018, Ghana; Thurston et al, 2016, China), or because something was wrong with their character (Alvarado et al, 2019, Pakistan; Snell-Rood, 2015, India). In keeping with the psychological characteristics of women, if they appeared too strong or too weak, they could be blamed (Thurston et al, 2016, China).…”

“…It was also very common to make the victim feel ashamed if she disclosed the abuse ( n = 11) (Alvarado et al, 2018, Ghana; Mannell et al, 2018, Afghanistan; Snell-Rood, 2015, India; Thurston et al, 2016, China; among others). This occurred with the general public as well as family members to victims (Childress et al, 2022).…”

Post gender-based violence care, support services and health outcomes among victims of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom and Cross-River States Nigeria

“…A study in 2018 through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with adult men and women in Ghana explored the health impacts of gender-based violence and the implications for the survivors, families and communities [13]. They revealed physical injuries and disability, as well as impacts on mental health such as anxiety and thoughts of suicide as health-related impacts of gender-based violence [13].…”

“…A study in 2018 through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with adult men and women in Ghana explored the health impacts of gender-based violence and the implications for the survivors, families and communities [13]. They revealed physical injuries and disability, as well as impacts on mental health such as anxiety and thoughts of suicide as health-related impacts of gender-based violence [13]. Also, congruent with this study's finding is the reports from a study on GBV in 2013 which showed that the most reported social health impact of gender-based violence was stigmatization 23.2%, isolation and poor social relationship 16.35% [14].…”