What is Stigma? Why is it important to understand?

In the dark corners of our world, unimaginable horrors unfold as innocent lives are shattered by torture and conflict-related sexual violence. Amidst the physical and psychological scars, another invisible wound exists—the stigma that perpetuates suffering and denies survivors the justice and support they deserve. At Synergy for Justice, we recognise the urgent need to understand and challenge stigma to pave the path towards healing and transformation.

Significant Effects of Stigma on Survivors

Silencing the Voice of Survivors: Stigma thrusts survivors into a vortex of silence, rendering their voices unheard and their stories untold. The societal perception that victims are somehow responsible for the violence inflicted upon them intensifies their pain and shame. This silence reinforces a sense of powerlessness and prevents survivors from seeking help or speaking out, allowing perpetrators to operate freely and without consequence.

Impeding Access to Justice: The stigma surrounding torture and conflict-related sexual violence is a barrier to justice, obstructing survivors' pursuit of legal recourse. The prevailing belief that survivors are to blame fosters an environment that discourages reporting and dismisses survivors' experiences as insignificant. This lack of accountability perpetuates a cycle of impunity, leaving survivors without the justice they deserve and emboldening perpetrators to continue their acts of violence.

Fostering Victim-Blaming Culture: Stigma fuels a culture of victim-blaming, which places the burden of responsibility on survivors rather than the perpetrators. Survivors are often subjected to interrogations about their actions, clothing, or behaviour, diverting attention away from the crimes committed against them. This blame-shifting narrative not only disempowers survivors but also strengthens the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, allowing them to evade consequences and perpetuate violence.

Denying Support and Healing: Stigma creates an environment where survivors are denied the support and healing they urgently need. Society's judgment and prejudice can lead to exclusion, isolation, and the denial of essential services such as medical care, counselling, or rehabilitation. Survivors may hesitate to seek help due to the fear of being stigmatised or re-victimised, leaving them to suffer in silence and hindering their recovery.

Cultivating a Culture of Inaction: Stigma cultivates a culture of inaction and indifference toward violence. When survivors are stigmatised, and their experiences invalidated, society becomes desensitised to their plight. This apathy reinforces a culture of impunity, as the lack of collective outrage or demand for justice allows perpetrators to operate freely without fear of consequences.