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Ways to Respond to a Sexual Assault Disclosure
Here in this post, we are discussing “Ways to Respond to a Sexual Assault Disclosure”. You can read more about psychology-related material on our website. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
There is a high likelihood that we may hear about sexual assaults from individuals we know. As it turns out, when survivors open up, it’s usually to close friends, family members, or other informal sources of support. In certain cases, our response to a sexual assault disclosure might be harmful. Responses to disclosures may be ineffective and even harmful if done incorrectly. It is common for victims to explain how individuals have taken away their authority and even blamed themselves for the attack. Numerous studies have shown that those who have negative responses to disclosures go on to have lower mental health in the long run.
Ways to Respond to a Sexual Assault Disclosure
New methods of responding to survivors’ disclosures may help us improve our service. If someone comes forward and says they’ve been a victim of sexual assault, here are the following things you can do to be prepared.
Listening with an awareness of trauma is the first step in this process.
A traumatic stressor such as sexual assault may cause a wide range of reactions in various persons. As an example, some survivors could be obviously distraught, while others may seem emotionally numb or detached. It is also uncommon for survivors to speak of persistent, relentless thoughts about the attack, while others may have memory lapses or a general lack of trust in their recollections. It is possible that some survivors may want the public to know about what occurred, while others would choose to keep their stories to themselves. People who have been attacked may or may not maintain their connection with the person who abused them.
Anyone listening to a survivor discusses their trauma or the effect it has had on their life may experience a wide range of emotions and responses. To others, survivors who don’t conform to their preconceptions of what a survivor should look like may be seen as a threat. Other listeners may feel compelled to take immediate action. But the attack stripped power from the survivor, making it the more critical that the survivor determine what occurs next.’
Instead of acting from notions of what a survivor might need or feel, be ready to listen carefully and without judgment. Consider the survivor’s individual tale and feelings before replying gently. You may demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and decision-making by how you say and say what you say.
Even if a victim requests that their revelation be kept private, there are times when this isn’t possible. For example, certain professions are mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect or forced to report sexual harassment and assault under their college and institution Title IX protocols. Make it clear to survivors what you’re legally obligated to disclose and what occurs when a report is made. if that’s the case
Provide assistance in the form of services
Survivors of sexual assault may be in need of a variety of assistance. While attending college or university might need academic support. Also, they may need counseling, medical care, or information on how to make an official complaint with the local authorities.
You can make a difference by providing information to survivors so that they may make educated decisions about the services and alternatives available to them. When someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, you may need to conduct some research to find assistance in your area. Is there a sexual assault response group in your area? What support services are available at your school or workplace? In the end, it is up to the survivor to decide whether or not to seek help from a counselor or file a police complaint, and you should respect that decision.
For survival and societal change, stay in it for the long haul.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are not uncommon in the months and years that follow a sexual attack. Other health issues, such as chronic pain and sleep difficulties or even suicidality, might develop and remain over time. It is possible for victims to be engaged in long-term investigations after reporting their attacks to the police, schools, or employers.
Healing, therefore, is not a one-time event; rather, it is a long-term process. There are several ways in which your continued assistance might be crucial over time. Checking in might show that you’re thinking about the survivors and that you realize that recovery takes time. Supporting survivors of sexual assault is something you may continue to learn about. Some examples include using internet resources and finding support groups for survivors’ loved ones.
You’ll also be required in the long run in the fight to abolish sexual assault in our society. There are several ways to become involved. In order to help survivors of sexual assault, you may volunteer with organizations that focus on this issue in your area; push your business to implement trauma-informed policies; or contact your politician to ask them to support trauma-informed legislation.
You’ll likely come to see that sexual assault and other types of violence against women have a negative effect on both people and communities. Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence against Women teaches that lesson, as does the realization that we have a common purpose in working together to eliminate sexual assault and assist the recovery of survivors and their communities. ‘
Summary
In some cases, our response to a sexual assault disclosure might be harmful. Responses to disclosures may be ineffective and even harmful if done incorrectly. Consider the survivor’s individual tale and feelings before replying gently. You may demonstrate your commitment to their well-being by how you say and say what you say. Survivors of sexual assault may be in need of a variety of assistance.
You can make a difference by providing information to survivors so that they may make educated decisions. In the end, it is up to the survivor whether or not to seek help from a counselor or file a police complaint. Healing, therefore, is not a one-time event; rather, it is a long-term process. There are several ways in which your continued assistance might be crucial over time. You’ll likely come to see that sexual assault and other types of violence against women have a negative effect on both people and communities.
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