engleski

The clinical impact of sexual violence on men and women and its management

Sexual violence is a traumatic life event that has more devastating consequences than other forms of violence. The consequences can be physical, psychological and social. Among the psychological consequences, there are ruined sense of self-esteem, sense of vulnerability, anxiety, anger, low mood and behavioural changes. Many survivors of sexual violence develop mental disorders, such as PTSD, depression and suicidal behaviour. Sexual problems are also highly prevalent, with more than 80% of rape victims developing different sexual problems. In female victims the most prevalent sexual problems are hypoactive sexual desire, sexual aversion and arousal disorders, while in male victims, delayed ejaculation is more prevalent. Child victims can have not only proximal psychological consequences (e.g. depression, suicidality, PTSD, sleep and concentration problems, school absenteeism) but also more distal consequences in adult age (e.g. borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorders, eating disorders). The preventive measures against sexual violence include teaching the children how to react in case of sexual abuse and how to say “No” and to whom to make a report. Management in case of acute reactions following sexual abuse includes arranging a safe space for the victim, calming down the person, giving her/him the opportunity to express his/her emotional reactions and explaining the options. During continued management, the treatment of mental disorders (e.g. PTSD, depression), as well as keeping the person safe, is important. Only then can sexual problems be addressed, step by step, and at much a slower rate than in non-abused patients. It is important to work with both partners and to support the security, intimacy and trust of the victim patient.

sexual violence ; posttraumatic stress disorder ; rape ; child sexual abuse

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