Psychologists Mention These 4 Ways Can Heal Psychological Trauma In Victims Of Sexual Harassment

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JAKARTA - Being a victim of sexual harassment is a traumatic experience that can interfere with daily activities. As experienced by Putri Candrawati, the wife of the Head of the Propam Police Division, Inspector General Ferdy Sambo.

Putri Candrawathi allegedly experienced sexual harassment by Brigadier Nopryansah Yosua Hutabarat or Brigadier J. The incident occurred when Brigadier J entered the private room of the Head of the Propam Division where the wife of the Head of the Propam Division was resting. Luckily, the wife of Inspector General Ferdy Sambo suddenly shouted. Thus, it attracted the attention of Bharada E who was in the house.

At this time, Bharada who approached the source of the shriek saw Brigadier J right in front of the room. Then, he asked what happened. However, the question was answered with a shot. Until finally a shootout occurred and Brigadier J died on the spot.

As a result of this incident, Putri Candrawati had to undergo trauma healing with the assistance of a psychologist due to depression.

From the results of interviews conducted by VOI with Dra. A Kasandra Putranto, Psychologist, through electronic messages, stated that sexual violence is classified as a crime against humanity which has a very serious psychological impact. These include Post-Traumatic Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, dependence on alcohol and drugs, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide.

Illustration of a Conversation with a Psychologist (iStockphoto)

The symptoms of PTSD after sexual harassment are indicated by a sense of anxiety when dealing with situations or circumstances that are similar to the time of the incident. Feeling like avoiding situations or circumstances that bring back memories of when they occurred. Victims who experience violence take one to three years to open up to others.

PTSD often occurs in victims of traumatic experiences, including victims of sexual violence. Victims of sexual violence need a recovery process from PTSD so that their quality of life can improve and they do not continue to regret the traumatic event. However, self-healing for PTSD is not easy. Victims who recover from the trauma do not mean forgetting the incident.

According to psychologist Kasandra, there are four steps that victims can take to reduce the trauma caused by sexual violence. Namely, try to accept the reality, tell stories to those closest to you, write down your feelings in a diary, and stop blaming yourself.

Illustration of a Conversation with a Psychologist (iStockphoto)

In addition, medical and psychological assistance is also needed. So that the victim does not feel depressed anymore and can live normally again as before the trauma incident.

"Psychological examination is very important to do before there is assistance and intervention by psychologists who have related competencies," wrote Psychologist Kasandra.

Mentoring itself must also be with the right methods. So that in undergoing healing or therapy, the victim does not experience new pressures resulting from the mentoring process itself.

Assistance to victims of sexual violence is not only done by psychologists. But the people closest to the victim also have an important role in this. Psychologist Kasandra explained that there are four ways that ordinary people can do to assist victims. Namely, providing needed assistance to victims, helping victims to collect evidence of sexual violence, maintaining victim privacy and encouraging victims to seek support and assistance from the surrounding environment.

Keep in mind, the presence and support of the closest people are important things that can help victims get up and get back to life. Support can be given not only by being physically present, but also being present to provide emotional support for the victim.