Since the conflict outbreak in the northern part of Ethiopia a year ago, the lives of many individuals have dramatically changed and disrupted undesirably. The intrusion of the terrorist TPLF group into the neighboring states (Amhara and Afar) led many civilians to conflict-related attacks and has exposed them to various forms of painful physical and psychological problems.
Citizens who were residing in warring areas have been massacred, forced to flee from their hometowns, left homeless and their properties were burgled by the insurgents.
Worse than these, fighters of the terrorist group have committed barbaric crimes against innocent civilians in areas of they had invaded which left the victims for permanent and temporary conflict-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSDs).
As reports indicate, in all areas the insurgents had occupied for a short period of time, number of sexual violence cases were recounted which many of them were gang raped.
Besides the fact that many of the stated reports are violating the fundamental principles of the international humanitarian law, having first hand experience of such crimes is believed to lead victims to psychological problems.
As to studies, being exposed to death, experience or witness a traumatic event, serious injury or sexual violence whether directly, through witnessing it, by it happening to a loved one, or during professional duties could have the tendency of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can happen to a person after experiencing a traumatic event that has caused them to feel fearful, shocked, or helpless. It can have long-term effects, including flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. As to the study, even though the danger passes, there is a high tendency that thoughts and memories would recur when such events like war, abuse, crime, accident or death of loved ones trigger the event.
It is well proven that a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder shows various symptoms such as inability to remember some aspects of the event, feelings of guilt and blame, feeling detached and estranged from others and emotionally and mentally numbed, having a reduced interest in life, difficulty concentrating, mental health problems, such as depression, phobias.
On the other hand, children who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to feel fear, sadness, anxiety, and isolation. They are also prone to develop low sense of self-worth, behave in an aggressive manner, display unusual sexual behavior, hurt themselves and misuse drugs or alcohol.
Even at times goes by; the victim might become more anxious and fearful as the post-traumatic stress disorder have the capacity to disrupt people’s life for long period time.
Having a deep understanding that responding to immediate health needs of victims of sexual violence is insufficient, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) stated that it is undertaking several activities to provide psychosocial support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
The Ministry has recently announced activities that were devised to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that fighters of the terrorist TPLF inflicted on women and children residing in areas that were once invaded.
Women and Social Affairs Ministry’s State Minister Muna Ahmed stated that the fighters of the terrorist enterprise assaulted, gang-raped and massacred women and children in areas it occupied.
Furthermore, in northern parts of the country, the insurgents destroyed and looted properties that were used by women and children and damaged maternal and child care services and left these vulnerable segments of the society to a catastrophic situation.
The State Minister further indicated that many women and children are suffering from desperate physical and psychological traumas due to displacements and assaults they went through due to terrorist group aggression, adding that coordinated efforts are underway to address the situation.
As to the State Minister, the government has already resumed basic health and other social services in recently liberated areas in the Afar and Amhara regions.
Given the fact that many problems that are associated with conflicts are not only limited in times of war, they leave indelible lasting effects on the minds of individuals even after the war. That is why many people suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), even after the situation that they had once encountered is settled.
According to Eng. Wondemu Negash, post war trauma is a serious problem in countries where their people witnessed the dark side of the conflict and affected by it. Those people who are victims of war or natural disasters will experience traumas. Hence, psychiatrists use several mechanisms in order to help victims cope up with the problem. As to him, mediation is also one of the best and advisable solutions to them.
While talking with regard to the people who experienced terrible and horrific moments following the inhuman acts of TPLF insurgents, he said the issue is not as simple as it seems. It needs a coordinated effort from every sector. In this regard, the psychologists, living in Ethiopia as well as abroad, have a responsibility to help and support individuals with post war traumas.
What is more, the media has a key role in shaping the society. Organizing institutions and supporting individual victims of the problem will alleviate the burden, he noted.
Needless to say that women and children constitutes the larger proportion of Ethiopian people. Currently, more than four million people are in dire situation due to the TPLF aggression.
Thus, Women and Social Affairs Ministry urges all stakeholders and the public at large to contribute their share in any possible way to rehabilitate and provide the vulnerable group with necessary psychological treatments.
True, the physical and psychological wound that the victims encountered would not be healed in isolation, but with professionals and communities’ support. Thus, every Ethiopian should extend a helping hand to victims to enable them be cured from their physical and psychological traumas thereby assist them lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2021
