A person who has survived a rape has gone through one of the most traumatic events they will endure.
They obviously need a lot of help and emotional support.
Many women often deny themselves this support by keeping their rape a secret.
They fell ashamed as if they were the ones who did something wrong.
Some women feel "dirty "after they are victimized by this type of crime and therefore try to keep the event a secret.
In order to help a victim, it is important to understand the psychology to of a rapist.
Rape is not a crime committed to relieve sexual arousal, but is an act committed due to deep psychological issues.
A typical rapist has failed to develop any meaningful relationships with either male or females.
He is missing the capacity to feel warmth, love, trust or empathy.
His social isolation causes him to use rape as a way of releasing mental stress and frustration.
Rapists gain satisfaction and self empowerment by dominating another woman and forcing that woman to submit to his sexual acts.
Rape is not caused by any choices, a woman makes.
The assailant and only the assailant is responsible for the rape.
Listed below are several action steps you can take to help a woman recover from the trauma of a sexual assault.
1.
If you find out immediately after the fact, assist the woman in seeking medical help.
Urge her to go to the hospital for an exam, even if she says that she is not planning to report the rape.
Evidence can still be collected and stored in case she changes her mind in the future.
2.
Be there and listen.
Listening in a supportive nonjudgmental way will help the victim work through her feelings and will be a major contributing factor in her healing.
3.
Avoid criticism.
Rape victims are already struggling with guilt and shame.
Victims need to be repeatedly reminded that the attack was not their fault.
Even if you thought the victim made some poor decisions do not criticize or make any judgmental statements.
The same principle applies if the victim decides not to press charges.
While you may want to try to persuade her to prosecute, you must respect her right to handle this issue in her own way.
Your role is to be there and support her no matter what.
4.
Be patient.
Remember people are unique.
There is no set time frame in which a person should recover from being raped.
Victims do not need to be told to "Move on" or to "Put this behind them.
" Allow the person as much time as they need to recover.
5.
Encourage her to seek help.
A trained therapist may be able to offer her additional recourse in dealing with the trauma that comes after a rape.
There are many support groups for survivors of sexual assault.
She may find it helpful to talk to other women who have gone through a similar experience.
6.
Offer practical help.
Offer to accompany her to various appointments, help with child care, housecleaning etc.
Seeing someone you care about go through an event such as rape can be devastating for both friends and family.
You may be frustrated by your feelings of helplessness in this situation.
Remember that listening and being supportive are two tools that are extremely powerful and whose usefulness cannot be underestimated.