RAPE
HOW TO HELP A RAPE SURVIVOR
1. It is important to start with these framework
when working with a rape survivor.
• It is not her fault and she does not deserved to be raped.
• The aim of intervention is to enable the survivor to regain control of her life.
2. Allow the survivor to tell her story. Take her seriously even if her story is inconsistent or disoriented. If you disbelieve her story, keep your thoughts to yourself.
3. Have a quiet and comfortable place to talk to the survivor. Allow for a comfortable distance without imposing yourself on her. She may not want you to touch her or hold her hand.
4. Enable her to restore her emotional equilibrium. Expect shock related signs like incoherent speech, confusion, uncontrollable crying, inappropriate smile or laughing, unusual calm manner.
5. Allow her to ventilate her feelings. Enable her to identify her feelings. Be prepared to Listen. Watch your attitude and reactions to violence. Do not criticise, blame or patronise.
6. Commend her on her accomplishment, that she survived the rape. This would build her self esteem and self confidence and preserve her dignity.
7. Be sensitive to cultural and religious differences and beliefs. Be aware of the differences in reactions of women from rural or urban backgrounds.
8. Relieve her anxiety by reassuring and explaining procedures of medical examination, collection of medical evidence, making a police report and court procedures.
9. Inform her of her rights and the services available for her in the community.
10. Help her understand the societal context of sexual assault and how society's reaction affects her response and behaviour.
11. Accompany her to the hospital or police station.
12. Help her contact her family or friend/s if she so requests.
13. Serve as a liaison between the survivor, her doctor, nurse, the police, family members and friends.
14. Ensure that she keeps her medical follow-up to get results of tests for sexually transmitted diseases and possibility of pregnancy. In the event of pregnancy, discuss with her the options and let her decide.
15. Encourage her to call you especially when court proceedings are approaching and obtain her permission for you to call her to see how she is doing.
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Rape: It's not your falut!
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The hospital examination
• The accused: What happens
to him
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What happens next?
• Laws relating to rape
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How to help a rape survivor
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Book on rape:
Shame, Secrecy and Silence – Study of Rape in
Penang.