Smiles of Hope, a non-profit organisation, recently organised a symposium titled “Silent Wounds” to raise awareness about the often-invisible epidemic of emotional abuse against persons with disabilities, particularly amputees.
The event took place at Osu in Accra on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and brought together close to 200 amputees, caregivers, and supporters from the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions, creating a vital space to share experiences, explore solutions, and promote self-confidence and empowerment.
According to Madam Valeria Adzatia, Founder of Smiles of Hope, emotional abuse is a prevalent issue that affects persons with disabilities, often leaving deep scars that are not visible to the naked eye.
“Silent wounds are those that you cannot show to anyone, but deep inside, it kills,” she explained.
These wounds can be inflicted through verbal and non-verbal cues, such as derogatory words, dismissive attitudes, and controlling behaviors.
Madam Valeria noted that the vulnerability of persons with disabilities can make them prime targets for emotional abuse.
“Because of the vulnerable nature of these group of people, they tend to be more prone to abuses,” she said.
Abusers often start by eroding the person’s self-worth, using subtle yet damaging tactics that can have long-lasting consequences.
A story about emotional abuse by a caregiver, shared by a participant during a community peer counseling session among amputees, moved Valeria deeply and motivated her to initiate the symposium.
The story highlighted the difficult dilemma faced by many—living with someone who is both a source of emotional abuse and a vital source of support. This complex dynamic often leaves victims feeling trapped, unsure of how to seek help without losing essential care.
The symposium also highlighted several challenges faced by persons with disabilities that can contribute to their vulnerability, including difficulty finding accessible housing and dealing with transport operators who are often insensitive and unwilling to accommodate their needs.
Participants shared harrowing experiences of being belittled, mocked, and made to feel worthless because of their disabilities.
Dr. May Wulff-Caesar, a psychologist from Equilinks Counselling and Psychological Services and the symposium’s key speaker, provided invaluable insights into overcoming emotional abuse.
She emphasised the importance of self-acceptance and inner strength: “In this journey of confronting silent wounds, it is necessary to nurture one’s inner self by believing in oneself, cultivating self-confidence, and avoiding self-deprecation.”
She also stressed the importance of action: “Victims can also reach out to others, if possible.
Speaking up for yourself as well as making yourselves visible is another step toward breaking free from emotional abuse.”
Caregivers play a critical role in supporting persons with disabilities, and the symposium highlighted the need for caregivers to be acutely aware of the impact of their words and actions.
“Caregivers must be the strength of amputees,” Madam Valeria emphasised. By being informed, empathetic, and supportive, caregivers can help persons with disabilities navigate emotionally abusive situations and empower them to seek help.
VOWACGhana (Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities in Ghana), a supporting organisation, encouraged attendees to believe in themselves, participate in family, community, and national conversations, and even consider running for political office.
In an interview with DisabilityNewsGH.com, several participants expressed their satisfaction with the “Silent Wounds” symposium, praising the organisers and emphasising the need for more such events to equip them with the right knowledge and tools to handle the challenges they face.
Madam Comfort Larbi from Koforidua, a participant at the symposium, said, “I have been empowered to also go and educate fellow amputees who couldn’t make it to the event.”
The “Silent Wounds” symposium marks the beginning of a series dialogue on addressing the various forms of abuse against persons with disabilities. Smiles of Hope plans to continue providing a platform for sharing experiences, accessing support, and advocating for systemic changes that promote the well-being and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com