Psychological Impacts of Gender-based Violence against Women in Hula Community

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of Gender-based violence (GBV) as a serious problem that affects women psychologically in Papua New Guinea (PNG). These effects include hindering freedom of movement and community participation by women. The aim is to develop an understanding of such negative effects on women and girls, as a case study that was conducted in Hula village of Central Province, PNG. The purpose of the study was to identify the main forms of violence against women in the community, the possible causes and their psychological consequences, identify and recommend strategies to reduce and prevent these captioned issues. The research involved 20 key informant interviews with community leaders and three focus groups within a small group of men and women including the teachers from an elementary school in the village. The main findings from the study highlights the psychological effects of gender-based violence committed against women, either single or married. The major contributing factors of gender-based violence identified are lack of food and money, alcohol consumption, pure jealousy, adultery and other contributing factors such as misuse of social media. These contributing factors have extensively contributed to gender-based violence having greater impact on women's mental health. Consequently, the women are unable to participate fairly in social activities. The study is important as it highlighted the proportion of GBV prevalence at the community level.