SUPPORT AFTER ABUSE
Experiencing abuse, particularly rape, is a deeply traumatic event affecting every part of a person’s life. It is the violation of a person’s body, the one thing that is personal to any human being. The first step towards recovery and getting support is acknowledging the impact of this experience as sometimes, survivors do not come to terms with the fact that they were indeed abused. Survivors often feel isolated, but having an understanding that there are people and institutions out there to offer support can be comforting. It is important to know that healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation. Thus, building a support network is crucial, whether through trusted friends, family, or NGOs particularly catering to victims of sexual abuse, who can guide the healing journey. Healing to each individual is personal, and so in providing support, it is important to know the direction of support needed, be it legal, medical, psychosocial, psychological, or all of the above.
Psychosocial and psychological support are highly beneficial for survivors. Therapists and counsellors trained in trauma can offer a safe, confidential space to process complex emotions and work through feelings of guilt, anger, confusion, resentment, or sadness. Specialized trauma therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be utilized in helping survivors manage and reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This professional guidance also offers tools to regain a sense of control, which is often a pivotal part of healing.
Legal support is another avenue that survivors may consider. Reporting the abuse can help some survivors regain a sense of justice and control. Many legal aid organizations and non-governmental organizations offer confidential support, guiding survivors through the process of reporting incidents to law enforcement, understanding their legal rights, and seeking justice. While not all survivors choose to report, knowing this option is available can sometimes empower them, especially if they decide to take legal action in the future.
Medical support is an indispensable element in the recovery process of the survivors of abuse. At the point of abuse, there is a need for immediate medical intervention. Depending on the extent and circumstances of abuse, medical care ranges from treating wounds, fractures, or other visible injuries to preventing infections, managing pregnancy risks, collecting forensic evidence, and ensuring the victim’s overall health. Sometimes, survivors suffer from long-term trauma-related illnesses or issues relating to their reproductive health, and so these survivors would require long-term medical support.
Healing after abuse is not a straightforward journey, but it is a path that survivors can walk with the right support. Whether through therapy, the comfort of trusted loved ones, medical or legal aid, each step forward is a step toward reclaiming the life of a survivor. There is no “right” way for a survivor to heal. Recovery takes time, patience, and self-compassion, but with adequate support, hope, and wholeness are always within reach.
Dasaolu Marvelous Oluwabukunmi Esq.