The effects of sexual abuse on the
victim can vary greatly depending on the severity of abuse, duration
of abuse, and the individual. Below are some examples of short and
long term effects:
Short term
effects of sexual abuse on the abused:
- Isolation/withdrawal from social activities or interaction with people.
- Unwanted pregnancy.
- Fear, anger, and shame.
- Increased anxiousness.
- Low self-esteem.
- Poor performance at school or at work.
- Trouble sleeping, nightmares.
- STIs.
Long term
effects of sexual abuse on the abused:
- Death (when violence is used and depending on the severity of the abuse).
- Failure to form lasting relationships.
- Fear of intimacy.
- Prolonged withdrawal and isolation from friends, family, and loved ones.
- Violence towards others.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Difficulty with their emotions, such as depression.
- Chronic diseases/viruses (STIs or HIV).
What to Do If You Are
Raped or Sexually Abused:
- Go to a safe place. Tell a friend or relative who you trust and who will believe you. If they do not, tell another person. Contact WoMen Against Rape’s (WAR) Emergency Line at 71311244. You can buzz this number and they will call you back. Someone will walk you through the procedure listed below.
- Do not wash yourself or change your clothes because the police will want to have evidence of the rape or sexual abuse. If you do take the clothes off, put them in a paper bag. Plastic bags can cause damage to the evidence. When you go to the clinic or police, where possible, take some other clothes with you in case they want to keep your clothes as proof.
- Report the rape or sexual abuse to the clinic or a health worker nearest to you. They may be able to help you prevent pregnancy, give you treatment for STIs and treat you to prevent HIV infection. They can record any injuries you have and treat them. You may also wan to have an HIV test after three months.
- Follow the steps for handling rape in your community (WAR’s emergency help line can assist you with this). This may be first reporting to the family, who should then report the matter to the police. The rape should not be resolved within the family by, for instance, the rapist paying a fine to the family. The police should arrest and charge the rapist and he should be punished according to the law. The police will take a written statement about what happened.
- If you are raped by someone you know – a boyfriend, family member, friend or neighbor, even if the rape happened at or on your way from maitisong – do not keep it a secret. Remember you are not to blame and you can stop him or her from hurting someone else.
- Talk to someone about your feelings. Many girls and boys feel unloved, dirty or angry after being raped or abused. Talking about these feelings can help you feel better. Remember that you are innocent and it was not your fault. Even if the rape or abuse happened a long time ago, it can help you to talk about it. WAR’s Emergency Line (71311244) can assist you in finding a counseling office near you.
How Young People Can
Protect Themselves
- It is wrong for adults to touch your sexual body parts. Adults can go to prison for this. Any touch that makes you feel afraid, shy, or bad is wrong and against the law.
- You always have the right to say “No” to any touch that you do not like. Child abuse is never your fault. No one has a right to ask you to keep the touching and sexual activity secret.
- Refuse gifts or promises of money from adults because they may expect sex afterwards.
- Always try to move in pairs or a group when you have to be with an adult of the opposite sex.
- If you feel that something is wrong when you are with an adult, even if they don’ touch you, trust your feelings and get away from them.
- Tell an adult you trust if you don’t like the behavior of a man or woman, even if it is a relative or family friend. Tell a trusted adult if anyone:
- Touches you in a way you don’t like
- Touches your private parts
- Asks you to take off your clothes
- Talks to you about sexy things or having sex
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