OPINION | Luisina Daives, Amadem psychologist
Sexual harassment, the wage gap, gender-based workplace harassment, the feminization of certain jobs, with their corresponding precariousness, or discrimination for exercising recognized labor rights, are some of the forms of violence that women face in their workplaces.
Mental health problems are a multiplying factor in the risk of suffering violence, abuse and violation of rights. Gender-based violence is the tip of a large iceberg that lies beneath: that of structural inequality, and it affects all women at different levels.
Being a victim of gender violence makes you more vulnerable to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress, addictions, eating disorders, etc. In addition, suffering from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia makes you more vulnerable to gender violence. These women constitute a risk population, as is the case with other groups with functional diversity, migrant women, etc.
It will be very important for us as a society to understand what violence against women is and how it can manifest itself, since we often speak of a more invisible aggression, which is not seen directly but attacks a woman's psychology; her inner world, which gradually undermines her life in general.
Let us educate young people to accept differences, to be equal, to allow each person to freely choose their way of life, always respecting those around them. Let us educate in values and in the defence of these values, so that when human rights violations occur, generally in the most vulnerable groups (children, women, immigrants, the elderly, homosexuals, people of colour, etc.) we react and build a more just and humane society.
Some of the reasons why women with mental disorders suffer more violence are: the stigma of mental illness that causes loneliness and isolation. Not having a support network or employment: they are personally, care-wise and financially dependent. They do not have access to adequate information and resources. Discrimination and social rejection: which reduces the chances of detecting and intervening in situations of gender violence. The lower credibility given to their story. Low self-esteem. Greater likelihood of experiencing unequal relationships, due to their difficulty in finding a partner, linked to the stigma. Feeling of not being able to cope with life alone. Greater tendency to justify abusive relationships towards them due to the feeling of low worth.
