PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF FEMICIDE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS: TRAUMATIC GRIEF, STIGMATIZATION, AND SUPPORT NETWORKS

Abstract

Femicide constitutes a serious human rights violation whose consequences extend beyond the direct victim, profoundly affecting surviving family members. This chapter aims to analyze the psychosocial impacts of femicide on the mental health of these relatives, focusing on traumatic grief, social stigmatization, and the role of support networks. The methodology is based on a narrative review of national and international scientific literature, analyzing studies published in recognized databases within the fields of psychology, public health, and social sciences. The results indicate that surviving family members experience a complex grieving process characterized by symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and persistent feelings of guilt and anger. Social stigmatization is also evident, often linked to indirect blame directed at the family, which intensifies social isolation and hinders access to psychosocial support. The support network, including mental health services, social assistance, the justice system, and community-based resources, plays a crucial role in facilitating grief processing and rebuilding daily life. It is concluded that addressing the psychosocial impacts of femicide requires interdisciplinary approaches, integrated public policies, and continuous care strategies aimed at surviving family members to promote mental health and reduce psychosocial vulnerabilities.