From Trauma to Triumph: Women’s Resilience in the Face of Violence

Written by: Mira Kennedy and Liza Nooristani

Edited by: Vaidehi Bhatnagar and Meriz Santalisis

Violence against women, particularly sexual violence, is an ongoing crisis that many women experience globally (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Generally, violence against women (VAW), can be defined as, “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women and girls, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life” (Stephanie et al., 2024, p. 35). However, defining violence is very subjective as it depends heavily on the individual's own experiences. Despite these varying experiences and types of violence, the effects of VAW are universally profound, leading to negative physical, mental, sexual, and financial outcomes for women, including their children (WHO, 2024). Amidst these unfortunate realities, many women have demonstrated exceptional resilience, strength, and advocacy for their rights and safety through various strategies, such as engaging in powerful social movements, accessing professional help, and developing support networks (Gopal & Nunlall, 2017).

Common Forms of Violence Against Women:

• Physical violence: refers to the use of physical force to inflict harm on a woman, including acts such as hitting, strangulation, and using weapons (Cavanaugh et al., 2012).

• Sexual violence: describes nonconsensual sexual acts or attempts to receive sexual acts through coercion such as rape, attempted rape, and unwanted sexual advances (WHO, 2024). This violates a woman’s bodily autonomy while also causing significant physical and psychological harm. 

• Emotional and psychological violence: refers to behaviours that intentionally insult or humiliate a woman, such as threats, manipulation, and isolating them from family and friends, all of which negatively affect their self-esteem and mental well-being (Cavanaugh et al., 2012). 

• Intimate partner violence: refers to a woman’s partner or former partner perpetrating any form of violence such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that causes them harm (WHO, 2024). Approximately 27% of women between the ages of 15 to 49 have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (WHO, 2024).  

Health Consequences

All forms of VAW contribute to adverse health outcomes, encompassing both immediate and long-term effects. Head injuries, wounds, contusions, fractures, and, in severe cases, death are common physical issues experienced by women facing intimate partner violence (Statistics Canada, 2015; WHO, 2024). Other physical health problems include chronic pain, disability, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders, and overall limitations in physical functioning (Statistics Canada, 2015; WHO, 2024). Violence is also associated with negative outcomes in reproductive health such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and stillbirth, sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortion, and unintended pregnancies (WHO, 2024).

The impacts of violence also manifest in the form of mental health challenges such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and suicide attempts (Statistics Canada, 2015; WHO, 2024). In response to violence, women may engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance use and risky sexual behaviours (WHO, 2024). Unfortunately, social stigma and feelings of isolation often act as barriers that discourage women from seeking help and accessing necessary resources, thereby exacerbating these health consequences (Statistics Canada, 2015). Thus, these health issues should be addressed using a comprehensive and holistic approach that integrates a variety of services such as medical care, mental health support, and social justice interventions. 

Seeking Help

It was found that 1 in 2 women who have experienced abuse, never seek help in their situation (World Bank, 2022). There are many different barriers that make it more difficult for women to leave an abusive situation. One barrier could be their emotions regarding the situation. For example, women who feel ashamed, or deny the reality of their situation are less likely to seek help as they do not view themselves as a victim (Evans & Feder, 2015). These emotions may be amplified depending on the nature of the relationship, such as whether it is long-term or short-term. In such a traumatic situation, they lose sight of what is considered normal, and identifying abuse can become challenging. This is even more likely when women have experienced abuse in childhood or through previous relationships, where exposure to these experiences can normalize abusive behaviour over time. On the other hand, women who have children are more likely to recognize the impact of abuse on their children, resulting in them blaming themselves for their child’s situation, which can act as a motivational factor to leave the relationship (Evans & Feder, 2015). Additionally, the responses that individuals have received from disclosing their abuse-related experiences to people in their life, can have both a positive and negative influence on their decisions when seeking help. There is also an element of uncertainty that can deter individuals from speaking up, since it is possible that seeking help may be unsuccessful, and result in the violence reoccurring (Evans & Feder, 2015). 

Women may seek help through many different resources within their community, but limited accessibility to these resources can also be a barrier. As mentioned previously, the impacts of violence may manifest in the form of health problems. Receiving medical help from doctors, and psychiatrists can act as a bridge to potentially alerting somebody about the abuse and seeking help (Evans & Feder, 2015). Additionally, many women may connect with domestic violence agencies, which are services in many communities that can connect women in distress to other resources such as the police, housing, victim support, and much more. Additionally, these agencies are more likely to be accessed by women who come from lower-income backgrounds and do not have any other reliable resources to turn to (Evans & Feder, 2015). Women who have a strong relationship with their family are also more likely to turn to their family for support, and open up to them about their situation so they may potentially help them leave (World Bank, 2022). Leaving a situation like this is never easy, but with the help of others, and community resources women can find the strength to stand up in the face of violence. 

Women’s Resilience Against Violence

Despite the barriers surrounding help services and mental health assistance, there are many women who have taken a stand against the abuse, and found a way to overcome these experiences. For instance, having access to community services and external help offers them the strength to leave and stop further infliction of these negative experiences. Abuse can take a toll on somebody's identity, and mental health that can make it difficult for them to reintegrate into a normal life. What are some ways that women have been able to overcome the lasting effects of this experience? Therapists may use techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and therapeutic interventions, where women can begin to regain their strength as they proceed towards mediation. The first step to this process is to have a safe space with a trusted practitioner (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Those who have experienced abuse may feel they are still in danger and that they are in a constant state of insecurity. In this approach, the therapist will focus on helping the client obtain the feeling of safety in their personal life, and within their own thoughts (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Additionally, many other techniques will be used with a focus on trauma and mediating symptoms related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can help women develop a new mindset that can encourage them to overcome the emotional impact of their experiences, and regain their own strength.

Women have also taken to social media to help spread awareness of abuse, specifically sexual violence. The #MeToo movement offers a chance for women to publicly share their stories by using the hashtag on different social media platforms to help build a community of survivors that can advocate for sexual abuse (Canadian Women's Foundation, 2021). In Canada, there was found to be a 13% increase in police-reported sexual abuse cases during 2016-2017 linked to the #MeToo movement (Canadian Women's Foundation, 2021). Advocating for change and enhanced services for victims can encourage women to regain their power by helping others suffering from similar experiences. It can also help reshape how individuals view sexual abuse, and help inform the public of signs that can identify abuse in their own lives or their loved ones (Canadian Women's Foundation, 2021). This movement is a public reminder to victims that there is always hope even in the face of adversity, and that their suffering and story can evolve into a source of strength and inspiration for others. 

Conclusion

The severity of violence against women echoes the need for people to become more informed on the signs of abuse, and bring light to the potential resources that can help those who are suffering. According to previous research, women are more likely to turn to those they know in their life when they face adversities (World Bank, 2022). In consideration, building and maintaining strong relationships with others can create opportunities for addressing important and insightful conversations surrounding abuse, and can foster a safe space for victims. Also, continuing to ask questions, and staying educated on the signs of abuse can encourage women to regain their strength and can motivate them to share their stories which can create a cycle of healing, hope, and awareness against violence. 

Resources for Students:

As mentioned earlier, seeking help after experiencing violence can be challenging due to a myriad of societal and emotional barriers. Here is a list of various medical and mental health resources available to McMaster students to support them during these circumstances:

• Student Wellness Centre: provides comprehensive medical and counselling services to McMaster students on campus through a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Appointments can be made online or in person.

• Campus Safety Services: security services at McMaster work to protect and create a safe environment for people within the community.

• Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) (SACHA): provides free services including a 24 hour support line, counselling, sex trafficking survivor counselling, and public education to people aged 16 years and older who have experienced sexual violence. 24 hour support helpline number: 905-525-4162.

• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: trained responders provide crisis and emotional support using trauma informed and cultural affirming care to people experiencing suicidal ideation.

• Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Care Centre: provides emergency services as well as trauma informed health care for people, including children who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence.

References 

American Psychiatric Association. (2019). Treating Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence. Guide to IPV Among Women. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Cultural-Competency/IPV-Guide/APA-Guide-to-IPV-Among-Women.pdf

Canadian Women's Foundation. (2021, November 22). The Facts About the #MeToo Movement and its Impact in Canada. Canadian Women’s Foundation. https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/the-metoo-movement-in-canada/

Cavanaugh, C. E., Messing, J. T., Petras, H., Fowler, B., La Flair, L., Kub, J., Agnew, J., Fitzgerald, S., Bolyard, R., & Campbell, J. C. (2012). Patterns of violence against women: A latent class analysis. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 4(2), 169–176. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023314 

Evans, M. A., & Feder, G. S. (2016). Help-seeking amongst women survivors of domestic violence: a qualitative study of pathways towards formal and informal support. Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 19(1), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12330 

Gopal, N., & Nunlall, R. (2017). Interrogating the resilience of women affected by violence. Agenda, 31(2), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2017.1379759 

Statistics Canada. (2015, November 30). Section 3: Impact of violence against women. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11766/11766-3-eng.htm 

Stephanie, E.M.A., Ruiz, L.G.B., Vila, M.A., Pegalajar, MC. (2024). Study of violence against women and its characteristics through the application of text mining techniques. Int J Data Sci Anal 18, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41060-023-00448-y 

World Bank. (2022, December 18). Escaping gender-based violence. World Bank Group . https://genderdata.worldbank.org/en/data-stories/seeking-help-for-gender-based-violence 

World Health Organization. (2024, March 25). Violence against women. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women