A women’s rights advocate, Gloria Amenu, has called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to prioritise psychological care and comprehensive rehabilitation services for women who have suffered exploitation and abuse.
According to her, many survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse are left to deal with deep emotional trauma long after their physical rescue, with little to no structured mental health support.
Ms. Amenu stressed that while rescue operations and legal action against perpetrators are important, they do not fully address the long-term impact of exploitation on victims.
“Providing shelter and safety is only the first step. These women carry invisible scars that require professional psychological care and sustained support to help them rebuild their lives,” she stated.
Trauma Beyond Rescue
She explained that survivors often struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem and social stigma, making reintegration into society extremely difficult without proper counselling and therapy.
Ms. Amenu urged the Gender Ministry to collaborate with mental health professionals, civil society organisations and social welfare officers to establish specialised counselling units dedicated to supporting exploited women.
She also called for increased funding to expand rehabilitation centres across the country to ensure victims, especially those in rural communities, have access to mental health services.
Call for Policy Action
The advocate further appealed for the integration of psychological care into national policies aimed at combating gender-based violence and human trafficking.
She noted that recovery is not only about physical safety but also about restoring dignity, confidence and emotional stability.
“True empowerment means helping these women heal mentally and emotionally so they can reclaim control of their lives,” she added.
Strengthening Survivor-Centred Support
Ms. Amenu emphasised the need for a survivor-centred approach that focuses on long-term wellbeing rather than short-term interventions.
She encouraged the Ministry to partner with non-governmental organisations and international bodies to develop sustainable programmes that offer therapy, skills training and economic empowerment to affected women.
Her call comes amid growing concerns about the rising cases of exploitation and abuse, with stakeholders advocating stronger institutional support systems for survivors.
The Gender Ministry is yet to officially respond to the appeal.
