Emerging need for addressing trauma and enhancing psychosocial support among witch-hunt survivors in India

Abstract

Witch hunting remains a deeply entrenched social malpractice in several parts of India, particularly in rural and tribal communities. In most cases, women have been considered the primary victims, and they tend to experience violence, ostracization, and severe trauma. Survivors of witch-hunting frequently endure physical abuse, psychological torment, and social alienation, leading to profound mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Despite these realities, mental health support for survivors remains limited due to cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to mental health services in affected regions. This mini-review underscores the emerging need for comprehensive mental health interventions tailored to the unique experiences of witch-hunting survivors by emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and other culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches and community-based mental health programs. Additionally, it highlights advocacy for policy reforms, enhanced accessibility to mental health services, and grassroots efforts to dismantle the cultural and systemic roots of witch-hunting. These measures are essential for fostering resilience, enabling social reintegration, and ensuring justice for survivors. Addressing this issue is not only a matter of individual healing but also a crucial step toward restoring dignity and justice for survivors and promoting societal transformation.

Keywords: Witchcraft; Mental health; Psychosocial support; Survivors; Trauma

Core Tip: Witch-hunting persists in some regions of India, and the mental health of survivors needs to be addressed. There are multiple reasons behind witch-hunting. It would be challenging to tackle everything, as various stakeholders are involved, but survivors' mental health needs can be addressed with appropriate interventions. These mental health interventions can be helpful in survivors' well-being and their successful reintegration into a better community livelihood.