The team of the programme Stop violence stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It is horrifying to witness the destruction, senseless loss of life and displacement caused by this war. As a team of therapeutists deeply committed to tackling gender-based violence, we are painfully aware of the harmful misuse of power and distorted justifications for violence fuelling conflict across the world.
Hopefully, the weapons will be laid to rest soon, but the destruction brought by war continues its ugly work long after the last shot is fired. Trauma has long-term negative effects on mental health and increases the risk of intimate partner violence. Destroyed infrastructure, shifted priorities and displacement heighten the vulnerabilities of women and children, as well as the gender inequalities they face.
We believe that all peoples deserve to live lives free from violence and will continue to support that goal with our work.