WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF RAPE?
The devastating consequences of rape cannot be summarized in a single post but for the sake of brevity and directness, I've enumerated below the effects of sexual assault on its victims. They include;
-Trauma
-Psychological harm.
-Physical injury.
-Post traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD)
-Acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases.
-Difficulty in normal functioning as well as they had been used to prior the assault.
-Disruption in concentration, sleeping patterns and eating habits.
-Acute stress disorder similar to PTSD such as intense, unpredictable emotions, hard to deal with their memories of events in months following the assault. These problems may be severe and upsetting and may prevent the victim from revealing the ordeal to friends or family or seeking police or medical assistance.
-Depersonalization and dissociation: Feelings of numbness and detachment, being in a daze or dream state and feeling that the world is unreal or strange.
-Repeated thoughts, memories or nightmares.
-Conscious avoidance of things, places, thoughts and feelings that remind the victim of the assault.
-Anxiety or increased alertness (difficulty in sleeping and concentration).
-Avoidance of social life or place of rape
SEEKING HELP FOR VICTIMS (THE WAY FORWARD)
Since most rape cases go unnoticed and unreported due to the social stigma attached to it. Also, the victim is being prejudiced upon by the society, but here are a few hints on overcoming the numerous effect of rape.
Firstly, accept the reality of the occurrence, yes you've been molested and your fundamental human rights have been trampled upon, this shouldn't be the end of the world. There is hope for you dear victim. Children should be taught sex education from a tender age and parents should create an unending chain of rapport with their female children especially, as they are the victims most of the time. Endeavor to teach your young ones on decision making and assertiveness. Let NO mean NO and not "STOP don't STOP" if you know what that means... Young ladies would anyways. Lol
Secondly, report every cases of abuse and molestation to an elderly person, trusted one or constituted authorities, the earlier the better for your healing process. You must be willing to report and describe the assault against all the odds. Don't let perpetrators of rape and sexual abuse go unpunished. Biological evidence such as semen, blood, vaginal secretions, saliva and vaginal epithelial cells (May be identified and genetically tested by a criminal lab). The information derived from analysis can often help determine whether sexual contact occurred. Provide information regarding circumstances of incident and compare to reference samples collected from patients/suspects.
Thirdly, seek help. Seek medical and psychological help as soon as possible. Spiritual help shouldn't be overlooked as God is capable of healing to the soul and healing beyond the power of pharmaceutical drugs. Pray and depend on God for help and guidance.
There are a few organizations in Nigeria that will be willing to help victims of sexual abuse. Try to contact them for help and the devastating effects of rape would be minimized.
Lastly, a word of advice for the young ladies. Though provocative dressing is not a reason for sexual assault of any kind, be decent and modest in your dressing and appearance. Remember, the way you dress is the way you'll be addressed!
Project Alert on Violence Against Women
Individual and group Counselling
Address: 21, Akinsanya Street,
Off Isheri Road, Taiwo BusStop (behind FRSC)
Ojodu-Berger.
P. O Box 15456, Ikeja
Lagos, Nigeria.
Email: info@projectalertnig.org, projectalert@projectalertnig.org
Tel: 08180091072, 08052004698
Walk Against Rape
Twitter: @walk_rapeng
Tel: 08057861285, 08085754226
Oke Oluwatimilehin
Okeflex360@yahoo.com
Whatsapp: +234-8142-798-776
BB PIN: 7F4B734D
BB CHANNEL: C001C7A18
@timi0301
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