With time and support things can get better. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
All rape and sexual assault are serious- The terms rape and 'sexual assault' are used simply to differentiate between two types of offence. The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts. Rape is when a person intentionally penetrates another's vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without the other person's consent, (Metropolitan Police).
Assault by penetration- is when a person penetrates another person's vagina or anus with any part of the body other than a penis, or by using an object, without the person's consent. Not all cases of sexual assault involve violence, cause physical injury or leave visible marks. Sexual assault can cause severe distress, emotional harm and injuries that can't be seen or those which can take a long time to recover, (Metropolitan Police). This when the term 'assault' to describe violence or physical attacks during reporting and investigation.
When it happens what to do? -There is no right or wrong way to react to sexual violence. A victim/survivor may wonder if she should or should not be feeling a certain way, how long she should feel it or whether she should “be over it by now.” In Kenya when rape incidence happens call Rape Crisis Centre to get support from a counsellor on the 24-hour Crisis-Line, crisis appointment with a counsellor, and accompaniment to the civic hospital; accompaniment to Police Services, (wangukanjafoundation Website).
Must do for women when assaulted or raped-women are encouraged to seek medical attention after an assault. There is a possibility that there may be internal injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection and/or unwanted pregnancy resulting from the assault. Doctors can administer antibiotics to prevent venereal disease and the “morning-after pill” to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Medical attention is also useful if the woman wants to report the assault to the police. If she chooses to have evidence collected, special procedures are followed and must be done within 72 hours after the assault. She should seek medical attention wherever she feels most comfortable (family doctor, walk-in clinic, or a hospital-based sexual assault treatment centre, (wangukanjafoundation Website).
The place of Counselling- A counsellor can help a woman understand that she is not alone, that whatever she feels is good and right for her; and that each woman responds in her own way. A counsellor can also provide information about a victim/survivor’s rights and options after the assault (wangukanjafoundation Website). There many recovery centres and GBV toll-free numbers, rescue homes and fee legal support when rapped or assaulted. Talk to someone about it. It’s normal to have a difficult time adjusting and coping with the effects of rape or any kind of sexual violence. Share with a Counsellor team will provide you with the support, linkage and referral you need to obtain help and get back on your feet again.
Normal reactions- Some of the ways that people respond to the stress of being assaulted are: question their own judgement; wonder if the event was their fault; experience intrusive thoughts; feel depressed, angry or numb; indulge in substance abuse or/ and drugs; self-harm (suicidal); and experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dealing with the effects of sexual misconduct can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, humiliated, angry or helpless. In fact, many survivors feel like they want to forget about the whole experience.
Share with a Counsellor- has provided you with a safe space right in your phone where you can share with a professional counsellor for support and guidance. With time and proper psychological support, things will get better. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct, don’t be afraid to ask for help especially through Share with a Counsellor Mobile Phone App. Making decisions about how to deal with the experience can be an important step in healing and restoring a person’s sense of control over one's life. Whatever happens does not blame you, shed of the shame and pursue justice for the next girl cued for similar pain. At Share, we care for you and her.
