Sexual abuse is any act of a sexual nature without the consent of the partner. It's not just about sexual intercourse, but also about harassment without penetration. The topic of sexual violence is probably one of the most silenced because girls are taught from childhood: it is a shame to talk about everything related to sexual issues.
The non-governmental organization Public Movement "Social Unity" has been working closely with Deaf and Hard of Hering people for more than six years, and unfortunately, the team members have heard many stories of women suffering from sexual domestic violence, but there is nothing they can do about it. The fact is that someone is ashamed to talk about it, someone does not know where to turn, and someone thinks that this is normal and "everyone lives like this." Such stereotypes prompted us to launch the project "Countering Violence against Women with Hearing Impairments", which is implemented under the "Barrier Free Ukraine for the Deaf" program. Women should be aware of their rights and not allow anyone to violate them. It is also important to know where to turn for help.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, the first thing to do is talk openly with your partner. Often the abuser is convinced that he is doing only what his partner likes and for him the fact that his actions are sexual violence to you may be a revelation.
In the case of sexual assault, not sexual misunderstandings, it is necessary to:
-
call 102, call the police, and make a written statement about the commission of a criminal offense. The statement must briefly and clearly describe all the circumstances and details of the situation.
-
See a doctor as soon as possible to record the injuries on time and determine the severity.
Often women and girls believe that nothing special has happened, they are ashamed to seek help from specialists. But it's about a woman's or girl's health, both physiological and psychological. Therefore, if open communication with your partner does not help and domestic sexual violence continues to ruin your life – be sure to seek help.
You can call the telephone numbers of state hotlines:
-
National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence 0 800 500 005, or from the mobile 116-123 (works around the clock);
-
State Call Center for the Prevention of Domestic Violence 1547;
-
Coordination Center for Free Legal Aid – 0 800 213 103.
If you face psychological barriers, seek the help of a psychologist. It's worth it. Don't think it's embarrassing or humiliating. Not at all. A specialist will help you deal with your feelings and experience the consequences of sexual violence.
Signs of sexual violence:
-
penetration into the body of a victim by the genitals or any foreign object without the consent of the victim;
-
psychological pressure and threats to force sexual intercourse;
-
coercion and harassment without penetrating the body;
-
forcing people to watch videos of pornographic nature, including masturbating, or oral actions;
-
demonstration of sexual intercourse.
Sexual intercourse of an adult with a child under 16 years of age, regardless of his or her consent, is sexual abuse of children and is subject to criminal liability. The perpetrator is always guilty of sexual violence, not the victim.
If you have been sexually abused, the first thing to do:
-
go to a safe place for you (to people you trust – relatives or friends);
-
to apply to the police (102) on the fact of committing an offense;
-
do not wash or change the clothes you were wearing at the time of the sexual violence – evidence of violence remains on the body and the clothes, they must be investigated by the police;
-
consult a doctor to examine and check the condition of the body, to exclude possible pregnancy (this should be done on the first day after violence);
-
seek support from people you trust, seek help from a psychologist and lawyer.
Sexual violence is the most complex form of violence. In addition to bodily harm, a person receives several psychological traumas:
-
Completely different emotions occur: crying, laughing, and anger. Emotions can change each other with incredible speed.
-
Feeling guilty about what happened. Women and girls who suffer from domestic violence are often convinced that they themselves "brought the perpetrator to such behavior."
-
Sleep problems: nightmares and sleep disorders. Panic attacks.
-
An act of violence is constantly mentioned.
-
Self-esteem and confidence in yourself and others are declining.
-
There is a feeling that no one needs you, even self-hatred.
-
Excessive anger or rage, sometimes the desire to punish the offender.
If you do not seek help in time, the psychological problems of the victim of sexual violence will accumulate, and even suicidal thoughts may arise. Victims of sexual violence who work with psychologists often admit that for a long time after that they experience problems with their subsequent sexual life, even with another partner.
The non-governmental organization Public Movement "Social Unity" continues to implement the project "Countering Violence against Women with Hearing Impairments", implemented under the program "Barrier Free Ukraine for the Deaf" with the support of the Fund for Social Protection of the Disabled, Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Affairs of Ukraine.
Contact us through the widget on the website of the non-governmental organization Public Movement "Social Unity" se.org.ua to get advice from a psychologist and a lawyer – a sign language interpreter will help you.
Follow the news of the non-governmental organization so as not to miss anything important.
