Assisting Victims of Sexual Assault, Essay Example

Introduction

Victims of sexual attacks typically experience terrible mental trauma. Ergo, counselors must be mindful of the many factors which might have an influence on the treatment for clients who’ve already had a sexual assault. The necessity of a proper framework, recovery based on reliable investigations, and precautions from re-traumatization are stressed in the study. In delivering the most effective systems that rely for persons that have been sexually harmed, it is necessary to first recognize the challenges they may face. Overall, this research stresses the importance of psychologists taking a cautious and considerate approach to this issue, acknowledging the lasting psychological repercussions of sexual abuse, and striving to facilitate healing and rehabilitation for victims.

Sexual Assault Overview

According to the “National Sexual Violence Resource Center” (2021), sexual assault encompasses all unwarranted sexual activity or contact that transpires without the victim’s permission. The use of force or coercion to engage in sexual actions, such as sexual intercourse, fondling, oral sex, or other sexual acts, are all examples. Remember that sexual assault does not discriminate based on age, gender, or sexual orientation. The psychological effects of a sexual assault on its survivor are fundamental and far-reaching, and their severity cannot be emphasized. Those who have survived sexual assault may experience a wide range of emotions and behaviors, including but not limited to: anxiety, sadness, PTSD, substance misuse, and even suicide ideation. Other effects of sexual harassment include serious trauma, Infections, and unsafe abortions. It is important for therapists to be aware of the numerous aspects that may affect how they handle those who have gone through molestation.  One of the challenges that can arise during service delivery is the risk of re-traumatization. This can occur when the individual is exposed to triggers that remind them of the assault, such as certain sounds, smells, or visual cues. Re-traumatization can hinder the healing process and lead to further distress.

Psychologists must manage their well-being to prevent burnout and ensure they can continue providing adequate care to their clients. In addressing the problem of sexual assault, psychologists must approach the issue with sensitivity and use evidence-based treatments. Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are effective techniques for treating PTSD in sexual assault survivors (Resick & Schnicke (1992); Koss et al., 2018a). Yet it is important to remember that every survivor’s story is different. Thus, each person needs individualized treatment.

Significance and Relevance

Many people worldwide are directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault, making this a serious international issue. One among women globally have endured sexual assault, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2019). According to official figures, one in five women along with one out of 71 men in the United States had undergone trauma or become the victim of an obscene attack at some point (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2021). Sexual assault can have severe and long-lasting psychological repercussions. Sexual assault victims may suffer psychological problems (Koss et al., 2018b). If not properly treated, these consequences might continue for years, if not a lifetime. The risk of re-traumatization is a significant obstacle for psychologists working with sexual assault survivors.  In most cases, it occurs when survivors are exposed to triggers that remind them of the assault, such as certain sounds, smells, or visual cues. Re-traumatization can hinder the healing process and lead to further distress. Psychologists must be aware of these triggers and work to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients (Merrill & Crouch, 2018).

Psychologists need to be mindful of an additional concern: the possibility of secondary traumatic stress, also known as compassion fatigue. This occurs when therapists are overcome by the emotional effects of treating trauma survivors, resulting in a loss of empathy, irritability, and emotional exhaustion.  Psychologists must manage their well-being to prevent burnout and ensure they can continue providing adequate care to their clients (Figley, 2018). In addressing the problem of sexual assault, psychologists must approach the issue with sensitivity and use evidence-based treatments. It is imperative to note that each survivor’s experience is distinctive, and their therapy should be personalized to meet their specific need.

One recent development in treating sexual assault survivors is using technology-assisted interventions. According to research by Price et al. (2019), survivors of sexual assault who participated in a web-based “cognitive processing treatment” course considerably lowered the indicators of post-traumatic trauma exposure. According to Glasgow et al. (2019), an android application that offered CBT assisted those who had been assaulted sexually manage their anxiety and despair. In summary, sexual violence is a serious issue that has grave and ongoing emotional repercussions for sufferers. Psychologists working with sexual assault survivors face unique concerns, including the potential for re-traumatization and secondary traumatic stress. Therapists must act with sensitivity and manage every person uniquely by employing the most up-to-date biomedical investigations. Therapies using technologies have lately demonstrated promise in reducing Trauma, melancholy, and nervousness in those who have experienced sexual assault.

Service Delivery Concerns

There could be an excessive number of difficulties and challenges encountered when providing assistance to individuals who have been the victims of sexual abuse. The victims’ reluctance to seek help is a significant setback. Some victims may be too embarrassed or fearful to talk about what happened to them. In summary, this could also pose challenges for therapists to provide appropriate cure. The issue of cause more serious is distinct but connected. Victims of sexual assault may experience nightmares, illusions, as well as other Traumatic Somatic Symptoms during treatment (Narvaez et al., 2019). Ergo, psychiatrists must avoid unintentionally reintroducing illnesses when clients are receiving counseling.

Finally, counselors who assist with victims of sexual assault are susceptible to experiencing secondary trauma. Therapists ought to look at their own behavior and request help whenever they’re feeling down. Offering treatment to people who’ve had sexual assaults can create a variety of obstacles (Narvaez et al., 2019). A significant obstacle for psychologists treating sexual assault victims is the survivors’ unwillingness to seek help. For therapists working to alleviate the long-term mental health effects of sexual assault on survivors, this presents a significant barrier. Therefore, victims may feel shame, embarrassment, or fear of being judged, preventing them from seeking help (Jankowski, 2018). Therefore, psychologists must establish trust with the victim by creating a safe and non-judgmental environment (Finn, 2018). Moreover, there is a potential risk for re-traumatization during therapy sessions.

Victims of sexual assault may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or other symptoms of PTSD during treatment. Psychologists must be careful not to trigger these symptoms during therapy sessions, which may harm the victim’s recovery process (Jankowski, 2018). To avoid re-traumatization, therapists can use trauma-informed therapy, which involves creating a safe and supportive environment and using techniques sensitive to the victim’s traumatic experiences (Finn, 2018). Also, there is a probability of secondary trauma for therapists who assist those who have been assaulted sexually. In response to hearing vivid descriptions of sexual harassment, healthcare professionals may develop signs of tiredness, despair, and panic. This can significantly impact their well-being and ability to provide adequate patient care (Knapik, 2018). Therefore, psychologists need to practice self-care and seek support when needed. Self-care may involve taking breaks from work, seeking supervision, or engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

As a result, psychologists may find it difficult to interact with sexual assault victims. Reluctance to seek therapy, re-traumatization, and secondary traumatization among mental health professionals contribute to victims’ reluctance to seek help (Narvaez et al., 2019). Psychologists can overcome these obstacles by providing a safe space for the victim, employing trauma-informed therapy, and prioritizing their well-being. Psychologists can aid survivors of sexual assault by providing them with these services.

Approaching the Problem

Whereas the counseling individuals who have suffered from sexually assaulted, therapists should take into account an array of circumstances. Sensitivity and empathy are two qualities that must be taken into account. Psychologists should provide a secure and comforting setting for sexual assault survivors who may feel vulnerable and afraid. Another consideration is the need for evidence-based treatment. CBT, “eye movement desensitization and reprocessing” (EMDR), and “prolonged exposure therapy” (PE) are among the various effective treatments available for individuals who have suffered sexual assault (Koss et al., 2018c). These treatments are tailored to meet the unique needs of each survivor and can help alleviate the long-lasting psychological consequences of sexual assault. Therefore, psychologists should be familiar with these treatments and use them as appropriate.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for psychologists to effectively assist victims of sexual assault in dealing with a range of emotions, such as fear, guilt, and shame. Such an environment encourages individuals to feel comfortable sharing their experiences, thus allowing the therapist to offer tailored and effective treatments (Noll et al., 2019). In addition to sensitivity and empathy, psychologists must also use evidence-based treatments when working with victims of sexual assault. CBT, EMDR, and PE have all been effective in treating PTSD and other symptoms of sexual assault (Koss et al., 2018c). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that assists people in identifying and altering their negative thought patterns and behaviors. The central focus of CBT is on the interconnectivity between thoughts, feelings, and actions, intending to teach individuals effective coping mechanisms to regulate their emotions and alleviate anxiety. During CBT sessions, individuals collaborate with their therapist to identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts contributing to their emotional distress. By replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, individuals can decrease their emotional symptoms and enhance their ability to handle stressful situations (Koss et al., 2018c). Furthermore, CBT offers individuals customized coping strategies to manage their emotions, including techniques such as relaxation, problem-solving, and communication. Consistent use of these coping strategies can boost their ability to manage anxiety and other negative emotions, thereby improving their overall well-being. Yet, EMDR is a form of psychological treatment that benefits people who’ve gone through trauma. The individual recounts a painful incident when imitating a physician’s finger movements throughout Psychotherapy. The process aims to enable patients to reprocess the traumatic event within a safe and controlled setting, gradually releasing the negative emotions and associated memories. This approach is designed to help survivors of sexual assault to manage their trauma and cope with the long-lasting psychological consequences. Therefore, EMDR is considered an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions.

By comparison, PE involves gradually exposing the victim to the traumatic event through visualization or real-life situations. This helps them develop coping strategies and decrease the negative impact of the trauma on their life (Noll et al., 2019). Psychologists should be familiar with and use these treatments appropriately; psychologists must be mindful of the potential for re-traumatization during therapy sessions. Victims of sexual assault may experience flashbacks or other symptoms of PTSD during therapy, which can be distressing and potentially harmful to their recovery process (Noll et al., 2019). Therefore, psychologists must minimize this risk by using grounding techniques or other coping strategies to help the victim stay present and connected during therapy sessions. In a nutshell, when working with victims of sexual assault, psychologists must be sensitive, use evidence-based treatments, and minimize the risk of re-traumatization. By doing so, psychologists can provide effective treatment that helps victims on their road to recovery.

Conclusion

Sexual assault is a significant issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is imperative for therapists to be conscious of the many aspects that may determine how they manage those who have gone through sexual violence. Counselors can assist those who have been assaulted sexually in recuperating and conquering their horrific events by being empathetic, utilizing scientific proof therapy, and decreasing the risk of re-traumatization. In the conclusion, sexual violence is a profoundly distressing event which may have a substantial negative influence on the victim’s mental health and result in lengthy emotional repercussions. Mental health professionals must provide tailored and effective treatments to help survivors manage their trauma and facilitate their journey toward recovery. Counselors who have suffered discrimination firsthand have to remain mindful of every one of the variables that might influence how they practice to the full extent. To minimize further traumatic experience, we need a thorough strategy, interventions that are backed by evidence, and precautionary equipment. If we do this, physical violence survivors will feel so much better and be ready to continue living their livelihoods.

References

Finn, C. A. (2018). The Challenge of Treating Trauma and PTSD in Women: Self-Care for Clinicians and Advocates. Women’s Health Issues, 28(1), 87-92.

Figley, C. R. (2018). Compassion fatigue: Toward a new understanding of the costs of caring. Routledge.

Glasgow, R. E., Rosen, R. C., O’Reilly, M. C., Ball, T. J., Dugan, T. M., & Ruggiero, K. J. (2019). Use of a smartphone app to support recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from a randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 6(6), e14273.

Jankowski, P. J. (2018). Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 206(2), 141-142.

Knapik, G. G. (2018). Vicarious Trauma, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress in the  Family Therapist. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 44(1), 8-9.

Koss, M. P., White, J. W., & Kazdin, A. E. (2018a). PTSD therapy for women survivors of sexual assault. Clinical psychology: Science and Practice, 25(1), e12252.

Koss, M. P., White, J. W., & Kazdin, A. E. (2018b). Cognitive processing therapy for the treatment of PTSD resulting from sexual assault. Journal of Consulting and Clinical   Psychology, 86(9), 757-767.

Koss, M. P., White, J. W., & Kazdin, A. E. (2018c). Cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapies. In R. T. Ammerman & M. Hersen (Eds.), Handbook of prevention and treatment with children and adolescents: Intervention in the real world context (pp. 219- 239). John Wiley & Sons.

Merrill, L. L., & Crouch, J. L. (2018). Trauma therapy with survivors of sexual assault: The importance of attending to trauma reactions in the context of therapy. Clinical Social    Work Journal, 46(1), 48-57.

Narvaez, J. C. D. M., Remy, L., Bermudez, M. B., Scherer, J. N., Ornell, F., Surratt, H., … & Pechansky, F. (2019). Re-traumatization cycle: sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual risk behaviors among club drug users. Substance use &  misuse, 54(9), 1499-1508.

Noll, J. G., Horowitz, L. M., Bonanno, G. A., Trickett, P. K., & Putnam, F. W. (2019). Revictimization and self-harm in females who experienced childhood sexual abuse: Results from a prospective study. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(8), 1551-1571.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (2021). Statistics about sexual violence. Retrieved from https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics

Price, M., Kuhn, E., Hoffman, J. E., & Ruzek, J. I. (2019). A feasibility study of a web‐based cognitive processing therapy program for veterans with PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(2), 299-309

Resick, P. A., & Schnicke, M. K. (1992). Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(5), 748-756.

World Health Organization. (2019). Violence against women: Key facts. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women