Post-rape trauma

The after-effects of rape are devastating and women go through a range of traumatic emotions after the crime, ranging from a sense of fear and anxiety to guilt and depression. While some choose to express their feelings, other women try to conceal it. Also, the fact that rape victims are often looked down upon by Indian society doesn’t help. In fact, if a woman doesn’t seek professional help for the trauma she has undergone, it could lead to psychological complications in the future. 

Psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda says life has become such that we cannot trust unconditionally, even our own friends. “Women need to be extra cautious these days. One should avoid going out with a group of members of the opposite sex. It’s also important to know your drinking limit and constantly keep an eye on your drink. Still more, tell your parents or a senior your whereabouts before going out,” he advises.

Dr Chavda says that unfortunately Indian men still have the mindset that women from the West are ‘easier’ and have less morals. While you can’t prevent a rape from happening, it’s essential to try and focus on the physical details of the rapist (if he is unknown to you), so that you can make a proper identification later. “Try and get help as soon as possible and register a case at the nearest police station. Provide medical evidence and get all the internal swabs done, however, disgusting it may initially feel. Don’t keep your emotions inside but talk to a family member or friend and seek mental help,” he adds. 

The mind of a rapist

A rapist looks for verbal and non-verbal cues from his victim, feels Clinical Psychologist, Dr Kanan Khatau Chikhal. “The way she talks, if she casually ‘flirts’ in a fashion that makes him feel that she wants him, it gives him a hint that she is okay with more. Sadly, in our country if a girl dresses in revealing clothes she comes across as ‘easy’and to top it off if she is voluntarily drinking it makes her a even more fit a candidate. Nonetheless, in my personal opinion there are deep seated reasons for a rapist. Somehow, the victims are a ‘stereotype’, which is related to his personal issues from the past.” 

Healing and therapy

The faster a woman realises she has been raped and comes to terms with it, the faster the self-healing occur, believes Dr Chikhal, who says the process may take months to years. A lot of therapies like the emotional freedom techniques or even interplay (a form of movement therapy) helps the person to see the emotions attached and empowers them to move on in life. Also guided clinical hypnotherapy systematically desensitises the impact.

Source: Bombay Times