Practising Strength-Based Approach with Women Survivors of Domestic Violence

Abstract

Strength-based perspective in mental health has emerged as a momentous discourse in the global mental health interface while catering the prime pressing issues related to domestic violence and mental health. Power imbalances prevalent in the society, as a direct influence of conventional patterns of gender socialization in congruence with patriarchal beliefs, facilitate the genesis for various forms of violence against women. Gender inequalities are deeply rooted within the societal framework in such a manner that women, irrespective of their age, religion, class, caste or region, are vulnerable to various forms of violence with no assurance of their complete safety at home or in public spaces. Impact of domestic violence on mental health of a woman is far-reaching and crucial. The paper is an attempt to highlight the extrinsic and intrinsic linkages between domestic violence against women and women’s mental health by stressing upon narratives from the field research. Based on the narratives, the paper emphasizes the importance of strength-based approach for mental health professionals while addressing the vital concerns related to domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence often develop abysmally low self-image and poor levels of self-determination, which pessimistically influences their overall physical, social and mental well-being. The current paper seeks to affirm that various factors, viz. self-determination, self-esteem and hopes among the victims of domestic violence, can be visualized as the potential key to address the imperative mental health issues. The paper also seeks to highlight the role of various stakeholders and suggest gender-sensitive interventions on the lines of human rights approach.