Namibian professionals are freaking out because abuse victims keep dodging therapy despite massive case numbers. Experts worry since affected individuals rarely pursue counseling. Countrywide data shows 4405 reports recently, while the Zambezi region logged 302 incidents over twelve months. Psychologist Ceaseria Mutau claims internalized shame stops people from getting assistance until disaster strikes.
Mutau highlighted separate events inside Zambezi, where one ended fatally. A secondary situation involved a Zambian national living at Masida attempting to drop charges against her husband because he provides income. Law enforcement refused that request. Mutau argues that fear regarding retaliation keeps women silent because fighting back feels dangerous.
The psychologist insists systems fail to protect survivors who stay due to trauma bonds rather than weakness. Defending an abuser reduces mental conflict whenever love and harm come from one source. Victims subconsciously learn that resisting helps nothing while leaving makes life worse due to broken self-worth.
GBV specialist Mwenda Mubuyaeta-Sanandwa says societal stigma and victim-blaming stop healing. She notes that communities view violence as private family business rather than public crimes. Religious groups often push forgiveness which leads to resolving matters internally instead of using formal justice channels.
Mutau highlighted separate events inside Zambezi, where one ended fatally. A secondary situation involved a Zambian national living at Masida attempting to drop charges against her husband because he provides income. Law enforcement refused that request. Mutau argues that fear regarding retaliation keeps women silent because fighting back feels dangerous.
The psychologist insists systems fail to protect survivors who stay due to trauma bonds rather than weakness. Defending an abuser reduces mental conflict whenever love and harm come from one source. Victims subconsciously learn that resisting helps nothing while leaving makes life worse due to broken self-worth.
GBV specialist Mwenda Mubuyaeta-Sanandwa says societal stigma and victim-blaming stop healing. She notes that communities view violence as private family business rather than public crimes. Religious groups often push forgiveness which leads to resolving matters internally instead of using formal justice channels.
