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11mo ago

Haiti Confronts Mental Health Crisis Amid Escalating Gang Violence

As gang warfare paralyzes infrastructure and displaces thousands, Haitians are increasingly seeking mental health support, challenging longstanding cultural stigmas.

Girls holding hands are led past a burnt car blocking the street as they evacuate the Delmas 22 neighborhood to escape gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 2, 2024. As young Haitians are increasingly exposed to violence, the country is undergoing a wider push to dispel a long-standing taboo on seeking therapy and talking about mental health. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)

Overview

  • Gang attacks in Port-au-Prince have intensified, controlling 80% of the city and causing widespread trauma among children.
  • Over 360,000 people displaced and 900 schools shuttered due to ongoing violence, severely impacting children's education and well-being.
  • Local organizations and parents are countering the trauma with specialized training sessions to help children cope through play and interaction.
  • Cultural resistance to mental health services is waning as community leaders advocate for the psychological well-being of the youth.
  • Efforts to normalize mental health care are emerging as essential in the face of the crisis, with significant participation from local non-profits.