Suffering in Silence: Stories of Indian Women with Chronic Mental Illness and Sexual Coercion

Abstract

Background: Patriarchy exposes women to various forms of discrimination and oppression. Women are more often blamed for mental illness, which can result in social isolation and stigma.

Method: Case Study.

Results: Psycho-social intervention aided in empowering women by giving them voices to speak as well as by utilizing their strengths and available community resources to develop a sense of self-efficacy, coping strategies, and support system.

Conclusion: Women with chronic mental illness have unique needs and challenges. Mentally ill women face sexual coercion in childhood or adulthood. The factors related to help-seeking in the context of abuse were family reactions, social support, and stigma. Our findings highlight the need to conduct risk assessments and provide community-based and coordinated services during follow-up visits.

Key messages: Trauma-focused intervention should be culturally appropriate and should focus on reducing emotional distress, restoring self-adaptation, and enhancing social support.

Keywords: Abuse; chronic mental illness; psychosocial interventions; survivors.