Coming to LvA, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulder and I know that I am safe.
Research shows that gender-based violence often results in significant mental health issues and distress for victims. Psychological consequences can include: clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, uncontrollable emotions, feelings of helplessness, guilt and shame, emotional numbing and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. If left untreated, the compounded after-effects of trauma of this nature can be long-lasting and debilitating.
With our integrated approach, LvA goes beyond addressing our clients’ legal needs to ensure that their psychological, emotional and mental needs are met too. Through ongoing counselling, therapy, court preparation and debriefing, LvA’s therapists support our clients’ healing processes and seek to minimize the secondary trauma experienced during the criminal justice process. LvA also aims to strengthen our clients’ external support systems through education on trauma and supportive tools and techniques.