Theme 12 · ACGMH 2027
Centering the relationship between trauma, violence, and human rights — calling for trauma-informed systems of care that respond to psychological distress while addressing the underlying conditions that perpetuate harm.
Overview
This theme is part of the broader conference focus on community-based mental health systems, innovation, equity, and resilience across Africa and low- and middle-income countries.
← All ThemesExperiences of violence — whether interpersonal or structural — are among the most powerful determinants of mental health. Individuals and communities are affected by sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, and broader human rights violations that leave deep psychological, social, and intergenerational impacts.
This theme emphasizes that mental health cannot be separated from issues of safety, justice, and dignity. It calls for trauma-informed systems of care that not only respond to psychological distress but also address the underlying conditions that perpetuate harm.
Mental health care must be both clinical and protective. Systems must respond not only to symptoms, but to causes — ensuring that access to safety, protection, and mental health care is upheld as a fundamental human right.
Significance
This theme addresses urgent and interconnected challenges in mental health systems, with direct implications for research, policy, practice, and communities.
High prevalence of violence: many individuals, particularly women and children, experience violence that significantly impacts mental health.
Severe psychological consequences: trauma is linked to depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and suicidal behavior.
Intergenerational effects: trauma can affect families and communities across generations.
Human rights imperative: access to safety, protection, and mental health care is a fundamental human right.
System gaps: many health and social systems are not adequately equipped to respond to trauma and violence.
Key Areas of Focus
Submissions may address any of the following focus areas, or propose related topics aligned with the conference vision.
Psychological impact of sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse
Gendered patterns of violence and vulnerability
Survivors' access to care, protection, and justice
Integration of mental health support within SGBV services
Mental health consequences of ongoing violence within households
Impact on children exposed to domestic violence
Barriers to disclosure and help-seeking
Strengthening support services for survivors
Effects of structural violence, discrimination, and marginalization
Mental health implications of poverty, exclusion, and injustice
Rights-based approaches to mental health care
Advocacy for policy and legal reforms
Principles: safety, trust, empowerment, and choice
Adapting health and community systems to respond to trauma
Avoiding re-traumatization in service delivery
Training providers in trauma-informed practices
National laws and policies addressing violence and mental health
Coordination between health, legal, and social protection systems
Strengthening reporting and referral mechanisms
Access to justice for survivors
Impact of violence on children and adolescents
Child protection systems and mental health integration
Safeguarding frameworks in community-based programs
Supporting recovery and resilience among vulnerable groups
Collective trauma and its impact on communities
Community-based healing approaches and support networks
Integrating cultural and traditional practices into healing processes
Building resilience and restoring trust
Cross-Cutting Considerations
Safeguarding
Ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals receiving services
Gender Sensitivity
Addressing the unique experiences of women, men, and gender-diverse populations
Equity
Reaching marginalized and high-risk groups
Integration
Linking mental health with protection, legal, and social services
Ethics
Ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and respectful care
Guiding Questions
How can mental health systems effectively respond to trauma and violence?
What are the best models for integrating mental health into SGBV and protection services?
How can trauma-informed care be scaled across health and community systems?
What role do legal and policy frameworks play in protecting mental health?
How can communities be engaged in preventing violence and supporting recovery?
How can services avoid re-traumatization while providing effective care?
What We Invite
Strategic Importance
This theme places human dignity, safety, and justice at the center of mental health systems. It reinforces that mental health cannot be addressed without addressing violence, care must be both clinical and protective, and systems must respond not only to symptoms but to root causes.
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