From Harvey Weinstein to Cristiano Ronaldo, men accused of sexual misconduct and rape continue to be shielded, celebrated and ignored for their wrongdoings by friends, family, lawyers and most importantly, bystanders. What goes on in the mind of a survivor when they witness this oblivious attitude in society towards the heinous crimes that leave them scarred for life? Asian Voice exclusively interviewed Dr Ananta Dave, Executive Medical Director of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Psychiatrist and Hon. Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham School of Medicine.
Q - What kind of psychological impact does sexual assault have on women?
It can be wide-ranging and profound. From guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, panic, sleeplessness, depression, traumatic memories, to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), inability to trust, difficulties with intimate relationships, loss of self-worth and confidence. Women can sometimes be distressed enough to feel suicidal too.
Q - Is there a specific classification of the kind of impact it has on women?
The impact can range from a range of emotions and psychological reactions to a diagnosable mental disorder which will need assessment by a suitably trained professional. There is not a specific classification. There can be physical impacts too, depending on the nature of the assault- physical injuries, difficulty with intercourse, pain, and a range of other problems.
Q - For how long can the impact last?
Each case is very different and there is no set time frame. It depends on the severity of the assault, frequency, relationship with the perpetrator, circumstances surrounding the assault, the support provided to a survivor of assault, criminal proceedings, whether the perpetrator was brought to justice, etc.
Q - What can be done to extend psychological and emotional support towards sexual assault survivors?
Firstly believe them, validate their distress, offer support including options for safe residence if required - refuges etc.
Secondly don’t blame them they are not at fault or responsible. The perpetrator is the one responsible and should be brought to justice.
Thirdly signpost/encourage them to seek psychological support/counselling/sexual violence advisors, mental health services es, physical health support as required
Then help them to report and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Q - In recent news where many globally known sexual assault accused men have been celebrated for their achievements. What impact does this kind of event have on a survivor?
Can have a profoundly adverse impact - grief, fang, anger and also invalidation and a mockery of their devastating experiences. Also loss of hope that justice can prevail and fear that survivors can’t be safe and culture will not change.
Q - When women are displaced from their homes (like refugees or migrants or survivors), how is their mental health affected?
Again in all the ways as described above. These are complex traumatic experiences and can lead to reactions ranging from understandable distress to psychological symptoms to a full-blown mental illness like PTSD.
Q - What kind of help does the UK extend to such women? What should be the immediate step that we can take to help them?
There is support available through local authorities, independent sexual violence advocates, police liaison officers, psychological and counselling services, charities, women’s aid, refuge etc.
The first step is to help them/children be in a safe place, then report to police and then ensure help for physical and emotional impact.
Q - Can sexual assault of any kind hamper the future decisions and personality of women?
Yes, as described above. Not inevitable. Each situation is different. Can lead to loss of confidence, self-worth and trust, guilt, grief, trauma, mood changes. Can affect personal and professional lives.
Q - What is the right way to go about informing employers or partners/spouses about sexual assault cases, before survivors join workplaces or marry?
On a need to know basis. What feels comfortable to survivor, maintains her dignity and privacy, as per laws of confidentiality and information sharing, data protection act.
If there are immediate concerns of course a public duty of safety may override confidentiality.
Q - How can employers, family and partners be educated when dealing with survivors?
Listen to women, enable them to speak up, start teaching boys/young men about respecting women and respect in relationships. It is important to have the right sex and relationship educations, provide free confidential drip on sessions for young people and relationship advice as part of psychological counselling on the NHS.
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