Silenced Voices: Effects of Gender-Based Violence on the Physical Health and Well-Being of Sons and Daughters

Abstract

In recent years, it has been observed that gender-based violence within the family context affects all members, especially children. Minors are often in two main situations: either they are victims of violence alongside their mother, or they witness it in some other way. Numerous studies (Aravena, et al., 2023; Román-Gálvez, et al., 2021; Maciel, et. al., 2019; Carlson, et al., 2020; Tenkorang, 2023) have documented the high prevalence of violence against women and children.

Astorga 2022, points out that these experiences have effects on the individual, family, and societal level, emphasizing the need to focus on psychotherapeutic and psychosocial attention not only on mothers but also on children, recognizing the multi-generational dimension of this phenomenon.

This study aims to review the current state of research on the physical and psychosocial repercussions on minors who have witnessed parental conflicts and reflect on new implications for research and intervention in this field.