Cultural Dilemmas and Hidden Realities: African Healthcare Workers Confronting Domestic Violence Against Women and Children

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. NSANGOU Paul Eric, a sixth-year medical student at the University of the Mountains in Bangangté, Cameroon. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Domestic violence affecting women and children remains a hidden scourge in many African societies. Yet, healthcare professionals are at the forefront, witnessing the severe physical and psychological repercussions it has on its victims. They find themselves in a delicate balancing act between cultural traditions and the duty to protect.

In rural hospitals, some children arrive with burns or broken ribs, often explained by their parents as “accidental falls.” Others exhibit signs of severe emotional neglect. In urban areas, doctors encounter women with multiple bruises and anxious or underperforming minors, revealing relational and emotional traumas within the household.

However, officially denouncing these acts of abuse would be perceived as a violation of family values. Additionally, victims could face retaliation from the perpetrators. Faced with this conflict between legal obligations and cultural norms, some professionals take a preventive approach by discreetly informing victims about their rights and raising awareness within society through educational initiatives.

Although progress is being made in the fight against these afflictions, healthcare workers remain key actors in breaking the silence, providing care for victims, and ultimately contributing to eradicating these often silenced forms of violence within African households. By incorporating domestic violence training programs into medical and nursing curricula and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms, government authorities can provide greater recognition and value to these professionals who assume multiple roles as psychologists, caregivers, couple therapists, marriage counselors, and educators.

It is time to break the silence, advocate for the rights of victims, and promote cultural changes to end domestic violence in Africa. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in this fight and deserve support and acknowledgment from authorities for their invaluable contribution to society.

About the author

NSANGOU Paul Eric is a sixth-year medical student at the University of the Mountains in Bangangté, Cameroon. From the beginning of his studies, he realized that medicine alone would not allow him to significantly improve the living conditions of African populations. Convinced that action needed to be taken upstream, he embarked on acquiring numerous skills and developed a passion for leadership and public health.

Thanks to his commitment, NSANGOU Paul Eric has held numerous leadership positions within student associations, both at his university and at the national and international levels. He has organized high-impact activities as a result.

Furthermore, NSANGOU Paul Eric has distinguished himself by winning the Cameroon championship of the Global Health Case Competition twice, in the 2021 and 2022 editions. This recognition attests to his ability to solve complex problems related to global health.

Beyond medicine, NSANGOU Paul Eric is also passionate about politics, technology, music, and philosophy.

In 2022, NSANGOU Paul Eric made his debut in article writing through his Twitter page “Dr NSG.” He shares fascinating threads about extraordinary medical stories, captivating a wide audience. His motto, “We have a world to rebuild,” reflects his deep belief in the capacity of each individual to contribute to building a better future.