The importance of psychological support after a case of sexual abuse

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Abraham McLaughlin
The importance of psychological support after a case of sexual abuse

Although today much more is said about it, cases of sexual violence happen all over the world.

Therefore, it is essential that victims can have a safe space in which to talk about what has happened to them, and receive psychological support to be able to process everything in a healthy way and alleviate the consequences of abuse. 

Although it is an increasingly debated issue in the public sphere, as well as in the private sphere, sexual violence continues to replicate itself in different ways around the world..

People of different ages suffer, in some instance, sexual harassment or abuse inflicted by another person. In many of these cases, the violence comes from someone within the closest circle, such as friends or family. 

The truth is that a situation of abuse, whether repeated or not, can significantly affect a person's mind, which is why it will be imperative to seek professional support.

The consequences of sexual violence

All people are different, and the way in which some experiences can affect us is totally subjective..

However, it has been proven by psychologists and psychiatrists around the world that The experience of a situation of sexual violence can have a considerable influence on the development of a person.

Regardless of the age at which they have suffered such abuse, a person can see their world transformed after such a situation. The perception of the body, of others, the way relationships and friendships are built, among other aspects, can be affected.. 

When a situation like this is experienced, without being able to have the accompaniment of a health professional, the consequences can be even more serious, leading in many cases to the development of mental illnesses or disorders, such as depression, panic or anxiety.

The importance of containment

Not all people can record or verbalize an abusive situation at the time it occurred. It takes many years to be able to tell a professional or a close relative that they have been victims of sexual violence, only in some cases, people can tell immediately.

This highlights the importance of containment and the word, that is, generating safe spaces so that those who have gone through this type of experience, can feel accompanied, and even demand a response from the law.

Although many things have changed positively in recent years, the truth is that even today, there are difficulties for sexual abuse cases to be brought to justice, due to the many obstacles that exist for the victim to be heard. 

Therefore, the ideal is to go to a lawyer specialized in this type of crime, since you will have the tools to carry out a case of these characteristics, with the complexities that may arise and always taking into account the singularities of each situation.

It is essential that victims of sexual violence can have legal support, as well as psychological support, in order to alleviate the pain and emotional wounds that may remain after an episode such as the one indicated..

In addition, it is important that the person is not re-victimized, and that on the contrary, be given the tools to regain control over herself and her life, an area that can often be greatly affected after an attack of this type. 

Accompaniment groups

Currently, there are groups and organizations whose purpose is to create a space in which victims of sexual assault can be received. Many times, these spaces are made up of the mothers or fathers of victims, while on other occasions, they are made up of the victims themselves..

This provides a place of communication, where people can feel heard., knowing that on the other side there is someone who understands them, and that you can continue with life beyond what has been suffered.

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to avoid making the consequences even more serious, and to pay close attention to people's reactions..

In many situations of sexual assault, the victims have manifested a series of physical and mental problems.

In some cases, people find it difficult to establish a loving relationship with someone, changes in behavior appear, panic attacks, fears that were not present before, attacks of anger or outbursts of violence, much more introspection accentuated.

If the ideal accompaniment is not provided or the person does not find a space in which to express themselves, more serious disorders may develop, such as depression, self-harm, eating disorders, addictions, among others. 

So, when a victim manifests, it is essential that the people around her listen to her and contain her, making her feel safe. Talking about it can be very difficult for a victim of sexual violence, and she may feel exposed, vulnerable, or even embarrassed..

This can be avoided over time, after a good professional accompaniment, with the containment of the closest environment, and in some cases, with legal accompaniment by specialized lawyers in the matter.. 

Release emotions

The feelings and emotions that appear after a situation of sexual abuse can be very varied, and sometimes even contradictory. That is why listening is essential, as well as that the victim can release all these emotions, and then find a balance.

Emotions and the mind sometimes play tricks, especially after a traumatic event. Many factors come into play, and over-rationalization can be just as serious a problem as introversion..

Therefore, the verbalization of what has happened, the recording of emotions and in due time, or being able to objectify what has happened, are parts of the same process that is essential for those who have suffered this type of situation. With counseling, listening, and support groups, this can be accomplished and help you heal.. 


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