- Non-physical abuse leaves deep, lasting scars,
- The NPA urged to treat psychological and emotional harm as seriously as physical violence.
- Survivors call for collaboration with mental health professionals to ensure justice for all victims.
I read an article on Conviction.co.za titled “Stronger justice and support systems target violence against women and children” written by Emanuel Majola. I applaud the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the strides it is making in strengthening justice and support systems for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). These efforts are critical and long overdue.
However, I feel compelled to raise an important question: what about the other, less visible forms of abuse, the ones that don’t leave bruises but leave deep, lasting scars?
Psychological abuse, financial abuse, verbal abuse, and emotional abuse are all forms of violence that can be just as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. Yet, they often go unrecognised or are dismissed as “less serious” simply because they are harder to prove. This needs to change. The NPA should give these forms of abuse the same serious consideration as physical violence.
The harm that words and control can cause
During my time volunteering as a facilitator at an organisation that supports women and children who have experienced emotional and psychological abuse, I witnessed firsthand how devastating these invisible wounds can be. Words may not leave visible scars, but they can destroy self-worth, instil fear, and lead to long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and, in heartbreaking cases, suicide.
Bullying, intimidation, and manipulation must be acknowledged for what they are: abusive behaviours that should be criminalised. Perpetrators of such psychological harm should face real consequences. As a woman who has personally experienced these forms of abuse, I can attest to the lasting trauma they inflict. You are left questioning your worth, your sanity, and your identity. The damage doesn’t simply fade with time.
A call for an inclusive justice system
I urge the NPA to broaden its approach. Collaborating with mental health professionals such as psychologists, counsellors, and social workers would be a critical step toward recognising and prosecuting non-physical abuse. Abuse does not always come in bruises. Sometimes, it comes in silence, in fear, in control, in shame.
If we are serious about ending violence against women and children, then we must acknowledge that violence is not only physical. Justice must be inclusive and that starts with recognising all victims, in all their pain.
Get your news on the go. Click here to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
