Trauma Infused Sexual And Gender-based Violence And Femicide (SGVBF) In South Africa

As a group, we recognize that our society is wounded, with wounded individuals who have been schooled in wounded institutions, raised in wounded communities, and led by wounded leaders. Trauma, be it experienced as a child, through violence, or within the home, leaves lasting scars. Significant stress and trauma can result from experiences like domestic abuse, rape, assault, natural disasters, fires, terrorism, wars, persecution, the sudden death of a loved one, marital betrayal, or a terminal illness diagnosis.

To eradicate gender-based violence in South Africa, the African Monarch Group collaborates with medical professionals, therapists, friends, and family members who support individuals through the healing process. Our team has undergone trauma recovery training with the Old Mutual Foundation's Center for Mental Wellness and Leadership, which examines what enables people to bounce back from life's most daunting challenges. This knowledge helps us develop effective strategies for addressing the wounded context and supporting those whose wounds are triggered.

Unfortunately, there is often poor group identity and coordination surrounding trauma in our communities. Survivors of abuse and violence are frequently left without guidance on coping with their situation, while those affected are significantly impacted by neglect. As the African Monarch Group, we stepped forward to educate individuals on implementing a trauma-informed approach to healing and to foster trauma-sensitive leadership skills. We have worked with schools to create awareness and to elleviate drug abuse in collaboration with stakeholders such as Department of Social Development, Department of Education and South African Police. Through our programs and discussions, we empower survivors to locate hope and healing from the difficult circumstances they were never meant to endure. We also invest in other abilities to take up intervention as trauma sensitive leaders. In our capacity building life skills programmes and open dialogues we teach those who have experienced abuse to find hope and healing from this life they did not sign up for.