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How To Deal With Sexual Abuse?

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Posted on Sat, 12 Sep 2015
Question: I have been sexually abused
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alok Sinha (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are brave to raise the issue, certainly you may handle the situation.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
It is unfortunate that you had faced this situation.
But be assured that it is not your fault and you should not have the guilt that you are a victim. You are brave since you raised your voice in this forum.

Sexual abuse has few physical and psychological effects. But all these effects can be well taken care of.
Physically you may have risk of HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease. You might have risk of pregnancy.
Psychologically you may have repeated memories of this unfortunate experience, insomnia, restlessness, shame, guilt, fear of being victim again, sense of insecurity, lack of concentration in studies and work, reduced interst in surroundings, social withdrawal and lack of personal care. Few long term effects may also happen like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety disorder, aversion from sexual act, difficult relationships etc in future.

Apart from this there may be social effects like stigmatization and loss of status as well as difficulty in getting married.

I assure you that there is remedy of all these and there is way always.

First and foremost you must have courage to report this matter to law inforcing authority (police) and get your medical examination done. You may be accompanied by any of your reliable relative or closed friend. After this you may go for emergency contraception with the advice of your doctor. Get yourself screened for any STD, take proper treatment for injuries if any. You may be prescribed few antibiotics for prevention from STD.

For getting psychological relief you must ventilate and express your feeling and emotions to any of your close friend/relative. For getting sleep and relief from anxiety and fear you may required to be prescribed few anxiolytic and sedative medications for few days. You may continue with psychotherapy and counseling to get rid of negative emotions of guilt,shame and inferiority.

Socially everyone praises the bravery and there are many good people who will help you to get established in society as before. You may get help from a NGO or group.

Do not ever consider yourself alone. There are always support available.

I wish you all the best. Take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alok Sinha

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 212 Questions

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How To Deal With Sexual Abuse?

Brief Answer: You are brave to raise the issue, certainly you may handle the situation. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, It is unfortunate that you had faced this situation. But be assured that it is not your fault and you should not have the guilt that you are a victim. You are brave since you raised your voice in this forum. Sexual abuse has few physical and psychological effects. But all these effects can be well taken care of. Physically you may have risk of HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease. You might have risk of pregnancy. Psychologically you may have repeated memories of this unfortunate experience, insomnia, restlessness, shame, guilt, fear of being victim again, sense of insecurity, lack of concentration in studies and work, reduced interst in surroundings, social withdrawal and lack of personal care. Few long term effects may also happen like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety disorder, aversion from sexual act, difficult relationships etc in future. Apart from this there may be social effects like stigmatization and loss of status as well as difficulty in getting married. I assure you that there is remedy of all these and there is way always. First and foremost you must have courage to report this matter to law inforcing authority (police) and get your medical examination done. You may be accompanied by any of your reliable relative or closed friend. After this you may go for emergency contraception with the advice of your doctor. Get yourself screened for any STD, take proper treatment for injuries if any. You may be prescribed few antibiotics for prevention from STD. For getting psychological relief you must ventilate and express your feeling and emotions to any of your close friend/relative. For getting sleep and relief from anxiety and fear you may required to be prescribed few anxiolytic and sedative medications for few days. You may continue with psychotherapy and counseling to get rid of negative emotions of guilt,shame and inferiority. Socially everyone praises the bravery and there are many good people who will help you to get established in society as before. You may get help from a NGO or group. Do not ever consider yourself alone. There are always support available. I wish you all the best. Take care.