Doctors attending the Dominican Psychiatry Society XV International Congress in Bavaro this weekend (3-4 November) say that the problem of increasing violence is made worse by the lack of adequate mental health policies and a deficient judicial system, which is making the whole country live in fear and lose traditional values.
The Society regretted the increase in sexual violence, which affects children, femicides, fights and crime in general, and said it was provoking alarm across the country.
Psychiatrist Mario Espinal confirmed that the increase in violent behavior is leading to more domestic violence and child abuse, which is not being helped by the lack of mental health care and a judicial system that fails to deal with the offenders.
His colleague Vicente Vargas warned that more people were in need of emotional help and were feeling vulnerable and utterly defenseless. He mentioned victims of robbery who are traumatized and lose confidence in everything around them to the point where they are even scared to get on public transport or to walk outside in broad daylight.
He said that their fear is so great that they feel less human and want to lock themselves up at home.
Martha Diaz said that people who are most vulnerable and have fewer resources to help with protection and to seek professional help are at the highest risk.
She said that the stress generated by uncertainty and the threat of violence could create or stimulate anxiety and depression. She went on to say that the situation is becoming aggravated by social injustice and the lack of values and spirituality.
www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2012/11/4/253790/Psiquiatras-afirman-sociedad-dominicana-sufre-temor-colectivo-ante