SA NOW PSYCOLOGICAL WARZONE

Crime has made SA a war zone
13/04/2008
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=745143

SOUTH Africa’s violent crime is fuelling an epidemic of the psychological disorders usually found in war zones.

Psychiatrist David Shevel, testifying in a legal action brought by assault victim Alix Carmichele, told the Cape High Court yesterday: “South Africa is probably the world capital of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”

Shevel said Carmichele, who was savagely beaten while house-sitting near Knysna 12 years ago, would bear the mental scars for the rest of her life.

“She is far more susceptible to stress since the assault,” he said. “She would be able to cope in a low-stress environment, but life isn’t like that.”

Carmichele, a freelance photographer, is suing the ministers of justice, and of safety and security, for R4.62-million. The government was found to be liable for the assault in another judgment.

She was attacked by a man who was out on bail despite being charged with violent crimes.

The state is contesting the damages claim, accusing Carmichele of exaggerating her pain and suffering.

Shevel said Carmichele had shown symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and depression, for more than 10 years and would never fully recover.

She would need psychotherapy and anti- depressant medication for the rest of her life . He said she could not function as a photographer as well as she had before the assault because she lacked confidence and avoided situations that might cause stress.

The protracted legal action itself was harming her mental well-being, he said.

Shevel said every psychiatrist and psychologist practising in South Africa had patients suffering from PTSD, which affected not only the victims of crime but also policemen who were constantly exposed to violence.

‘I thought I was going to die when he stabbed me’