In Tigray, Ethiopia, Bezunesh, a mother of eight, shares her experience of trauma after surviving a brutal attack during the war that devastated the region between November 2020 and November 2022. Bezunesh, whose real name is withheld for privacy reasons, describes the ongoing struggles she faces as a result of the violence that took the lives of many and displaced millions.
The conflict in Tigray, involving both Ethiopian and Eritrean armies, led to widespread atrocities, with over 600,000 civilians killed and millions displaced. Among the most horrific aspects of the war was the systematic campaign of sexual violence, with at least 120,000 women and girls reported to have been raped. In the district of Bora alone, a survey found that 570 women had been raped, resulting in devastating consequences such as HIV infection, suicide, and permanent disability.
Many survivors, like Bezunesh, faced immense challenges in coming to terms with their experiences, as the stigma surrounding sexual violence in the conservative community prevented them from seeking help or speaking out. The trauma of the war left deep scars on the survivors, affecting their mental health and relationships with their families.
In response to the urgent need for support, a group of women in Tigray, including medical professionals and aid workers, initiated women-to-women circles based on the HAL (helpful active listening) approach used to aid Rwandan genocide survivors. The HAL circles, facilitated by trained survivors, provide a safe space for women to share their experiences of trauma and receive support in coping with the effects of their ordeal.
With funding from foreign embassies, the HAL programme was piloted in Mekelle and later expanded to Bora, offering a lifeline to women who have been affected by the war. The sessions, led by facilitators who have undergone training in supportive communication and trauma awareness, focus on healing and empowerment, helping women regain their sense of self-worth and resilience.
The HAL Centre in Bora, established by the Daughters of Charity, serves as a sanctuary for survivors, offering a nurturing environment where women can find solace and support as they navigate the long road to recovery from the horrors of war.