Understanding the psychosocial impact of witch-hunting and community-based intervention to address the harm

Contemporary witch-hunting affects different regions in Africa and Asia. The community-based and stigmatised nature of the witch-hunt raises important questions about how survivors are impacted and can cope in the aftermath. The present study investigates the role of group processes on the impact and responses to 2009 campaign of witch-hunting in Gambia. Interviews with survivors and families (N=64), community members (N=75) were analysed using thematic analysis and informed by the Social Identity Approach to Health.

Results show the centrality and impact of the transformed community relationships following witch-hunting. The survivors reported different forms of stigma including experiences of shaming and name-calling, exclusion from community activities and community life, loss of valued community roles (including job roles), and loss of trust in the community.

All participants reflected on the loss of social cohesion and trust within communities more generally and experiencing stigmatisation from outside communities. Addressing these issues was considered as very important in terms of redressing the harm, justice and reconciliation. Those who had taken part in community reconciliation programmes (community informed or guided by outside organisations), reflected on the positive changes to the victims and community as a whole. The findings illustrate how social curse processes can be overcome through community reconciliation, turning communities in positive resources for change.