The Role of Psychosocial Support in the Recovery Journey of Gender Based Violence Survivors Sheltered in Association for Women Sanctuary and Development in Addis Ababa
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Date
2024-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue affecting women globally, with survivors
often requiring significant support systems for recovery. This thesis investigates the role of
psychosocial support services in the recovery process of women survivors of GBV sheltered in
the AWSAD (Association for Women Sanctuary and Development) Safe House in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. It seeks to understand how psychosocial support helps survivors recover from trauma
and enhance their wellbeing using phenomenological design. The data was collected from 26
participants who were females who had experienced GBV, using semi-structured interviews with
14 female survivors at the AWSAD Safe House and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 12
participants. Thematic analysis was used to study the effectiveness of psychosocial support to
promote recovery, the findings reveal psychosocial support services provided by AWSAD play a
significant role in helping survivors rebuild their self-esteem, cope with trauma, rebuild
confidence, and alleviate loneliness. The survivors stated emotional stability, a sense of power,
resilience, hope, and overall mental health. However, barriers such as societal stigma, fear, not
being believed and limited access to long-term support still affect the full recovery process.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of psychosocial support services for GBV survivors
to heal, rebuild their lives, and promote emotional resilience.
Key words: Gender-Based Violence, Psychosocial Support, Survivors Recovery,
Empowerment
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Keywords
Gender-Based Violence, Psychosocial Support, Survivors Recovery, Empowerment