How to overcome sexual assault? women helpline number

How to overcome sexual assault? – Sexual assault can be any form of sexual contact made without an individual’s consent. Despite being one of the most horrific crimes, it is prevalent in society. According to annual report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2021, total of 31,677 rape cases were filled in India with an average of 86 cases per day. Yet many cases never get filed, making the numbers further concerning. Let’s try to understand how to overcome these assaults, both physically and mentally.

What is the impact of sexual assault?

The impact of sexual assault varies from victim to victim as everyone goes through different experiences both mentally and physically. It can impact their personal life, professional life, social life, mental wellbeing, physical health, relationships, and normal routine. It can even cause lifelong trauma and pain. In some cases, it changes the life scenario for victims permanently. According to NSVRC (2015) research about 13% of women who were raped attempt to suicide, this shows the physiological impact on victims.

How to deal with sexual assault physically?

Most of the time, the state of the victim after the crime is such that the person cannot think about the medical procedures. Even though skin and mucosal injuries are found in one-third of cases of forced sexual assault but this needs to be addressed, also, it’s important to go for medical procedures in a trusted hospital to save evidence. Even though the person wants to file the case or not at that point in time, evidence from genitals, clothes, DNA, mouth, and nails can be saved, for which the consent of the victim is must. In case of the minor victim, parents’ approval is required.

Also, doctors do provide treatment for physical injuries depending on the situation of the victim, emergency contraceptive pills are also used to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and STI care is provided. As every case remains different, the need for medical procedures also varies. In some cases, the physical injuries get cured early, while in others, lifelong assistance is required, which can be really painful and traumatic. Sexual assault can also cause numerous sexual health problems.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, there are some physical problems that women face, like pelvic pain, pain while having sex, vaginismus, struggles with arousal, and problems having an orgasm. Also, some research suggests that men can face sexual health concerns after sexual assault, like sexual dysfunction, pain, and low sex drive. All these problems can be treated by taking the right medication by consulting with the doctor, and going for regular check-ups.

One can deal with these physical challenges by accepting the new you, a fighter and slowly trying to take steps towards normal life by eating healthy, practicing yoga, doing exercise, spending time with comfort people a massage from them really can also help, even though physical touch might be scary for victims but it can help the person both physically and mentally as time passes. Also, taking proper rest and not overdoing things needs to be taken care of.

How to deal with sexual assault mentally?

In most cases, the impact on mental health lasts more than physical pain. The stains of the incident become permanent in the victims’ memories. It affects their behaviour and personality. It becomes difficult for them to trust anyone. Many sexual assault victims face depression, anxiety, PTSD, and it becomes very difficult for them to be close to anyone romantically again. But there are certain ways that can help the person to get through this mental trauma-

Going for clinical therapies– psychodynamic psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, etc., therapies can help individuals to understand and assess their emotions and make them learn how to cope with them. In most cases, these therapies can provide people with an ultimate solution in the long run. These therapies can also help people suffering from sexual assault PTSD.
Interaction with the comfort people – Most of the time, after the sexual assault, people tend to move towards isolation, which can further disrupt their mental health. It’s important to connect with the comfort people and share your pain with them. Putting your heart out rather than keeping the pain inside can help overcome trauma sooner.
Addressing guilt, shame, and questions like Why me? – Self-introspection and addressing these questions are the most important aspects of dealing with this trauma. It’s important to understand that it’s not your fault, and it can happen to anyone. The problem lies in the mindset of people in the society, not in the victim.
Accepting and coping with the reality – Sometimes, certain moments, circumstances can give flashbacks of the crime and the person who committed it. So, preparing your mind to deal with these circumstances without getting panic attacks remains crucial by accepting the reality.
Opening about the incident by joining support groups– Thinking about the incident can be traumatising, but keeping the pain inside will increase it further. Support groups will give a platform to meet and talk to the people who have faced the same, it will help people grow confidence and feel comfortable.
Doing what makes you happy and empowered – Sometimes giving yourself rewards and trying those things that make you feel confident can help. It can differ from person to person, like for someone it can be anything, chilling out with friends, singing, dancing, gym, cooking, anchoring at an event, etc.

Whom to contact for assistance?

Here is the contact details where you can get help.

In India, for emergency assistance, the emergency helpline number is 112.
Also, for any problems related to violence against women helpline number is 7827-170-170.
For mental health concerns 24/7 available helpline is 14416.

A note from Kamarth

When you are on a boat where there is a struggle to even lead a normal life, you are a fighter. We appreciate you and your resilience. Overcoming this trauma takes a lot from you, and it’s very personal, but it is possible to get through it by taking the right medication, therapies, and support from trustworthy people. Focusing on self-care and interests can also smooth the process. Trying to regain your confidence is the key, it’s important to know about your rights, and taking the write step is crucial.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: What should they try to do immediately after a sexual assault?
Answer: Firstly, it’s important to find a safe place and get medical assistance if it’s required at the moment. Also, not washing or changing the clothes is important as these are the live evidence that can help in the case, if filed sooner or later.

Question: How to handle flashbacks of the assault?
Answer: One can deal with this by developing coping strategies like mindfulness exercises, meditation, etc. Consulting a therapist can also be beneficial.

Question: How long does it really take to recover from trauma?

Answer: It depends on the intensity of the incident and from person to person. Mostly, it remains lifelong the back of the mind somewhere, but that can be neglected, and a normal life can be led by a person whenever they start feeling confident and comfortable.

Question: What are some signs that show that a person requires professional help?
Answer: Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, difficulty in leading a normal life, or intrusive thoughts about the assault is a point where one should seek a mental health professional. It’s not necessary to seek professional help only in extreme conditions only normal consultations on a regular basis can also help.

Question: Where to go after a sexual assault?
Answer: You can take help by connecting with 112, 7827-170-170 & 14416.

References:-

How to overcome sexual assault? women helpline number

Table of Contents