Manoko Mogoroga
Tshwane University of Technology
Creative trajectories for the healing journey: reflections on interacting with gender-based violence (GBV) survivors
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global health and social issue. It violates fundamental human rights and affects individuals' well-being, including in higher education.
The high prevalence of GBV in higher education institutions (HEIs) disrupts academic performance, safety, and security for students and staff. Consequently, HEIs must implement preventative measures and provide trauma-informed support services for survivors.
These services aim to empower and support survivors on their healing journey. The healing process for survivors of GBV is multifaceted and rarely linear. Each survivor brings a unique story, diverse thoughts, emotions, and a distinct capacity to navigate their healing journey. Practitioners play a crucial role in providing ethical and professional trauma-informed care.
They ensure survivors retain control over their process. This requires creativity in establishing long-term healing trajectories. It helps survivors process trauma, feel supported, and regain control of their lives. Trauma-informed care and creative healing practices consider survivors' needs. They explore the internal and contextual factors influencing their healing journey.
This reflection explores the experiences of providing trauma-informed care and support services using creative approaches for GBV survivors in HEIs. It emphasises the challenges encountered in this process and the importance of comprehensively understanding the intricacies of GBV interactions.
It also provides recommendations for improving support systems for survivors and the professionals who assist them. Keywords: higher education institutions (HEIs); creativity; ethical care; trauma-informed care; gender-based violence (GBV); support services; healing journey; survivor empowerment; therapy, GBV interactions
BIOGRAPHY
Manoko Mogoroga is a registered Counseling Psychologist with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and has over a decade of experience in education and psychological services.
She serves as a Life Skills Practitioner at the Tshwane University of Technology within the Directorate of Student Development and Support (SDS), where she conducts Life Skills Classes and provide psychological support, including psychotherapy and psychoeducation on mental health topics.
Additionally, she plays a key role at the university’s Gender Desk, leading awareness campaigns, offering psychoeducation, and providing counselling on gender-based violence issues.