How to Behave with the Sexual Assault Victims

A new research made at the University of Illinois at Chicago showed that women victims of sexual assault need a lot of support and negative social reactions just worsen the psychological effects of the crime.

The research discovered that negative reactions to the assault victims seeking support could inflict in them avoidance coping, self-blame and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

"The findings suggest further public education and professional training are needed to help sexual assault survivors.

Focused interventions with formal support providers and public awareness campaigns may help to change professional responses and community norms to enhance women's recovery from sexual assault," said lead researcher Sarah Ullman, UIC professor of criminal justice.

Ullman's team monitored a diverse pool of women aged 18 and older who had experienced sexual assault after the age of 14.

The subjects were selected only from women who counted their ailment to at least one person.

The researchers found that the more severe the sexual assault was, the more negative were the overall reactions towards the victims, as the likelihood of disclosing the event grew up with its severity.

The team also made a list of negative reactions to sexual assault victims that should be avoided.

Interrogating the victim about her behavior before the or during the assault is like criticizing her for what she did, how he behaved or how she is coping.

Trying to distract the victim like telling her to get over it or get on with her life is harmful as it minimizes her infliction.

Changes in the behavior towards the victim or behaving like she is "damaged goods," or neglecting her disclosure also play down her pain.

It is also harmful to overreact or focus on how the victim's report or the suffering is affecting the support provider instead of concentrating to the victim's needs.

"These reactions can be avoided. Realize that victims need to be listened to, validated and believed. There is no perfect one right thing to say, but showing caring and concern, offering help if or when needed, and avoiding negative reactions is the best thing to do." said Ullman.