African Women and Girls' Trauma

Trauma in Africa has been the topic of much discussion relative to war, ethnic conflict, poverty, historical consequences of colonialism, cultural traditions, human rights abuses, and the ongoing subjugation and marginalization of women and girls. Acts of violence against women and girls have often been used as a tactical strategy in promoting fear, intimidation, obedience, and social and political control. Countless women and girls are subjected to perpetual rape experiences; disfigurement with weapons, such as machetes; sexual torture; exposure to the killing and/or dismemberment of loved ones; the destruction of entire communities; and shared [Page 16]and secondary trauma experiences relative to the trauma-inducing situation or event. A few notable examples are South Africa's history of apartheid and the human atrocities committed during the volatile period ...