Across the world, young women are more susceptible to sexual assault. According to a report from 2018, 16.6% of women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence from a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, as per unwomen.org. Despite this alarming statistic, there has been a circulation of rumours that suggest that victims of rape, particularly those aged 18 and above, are often blamed for their circumstances due to their adult status.
Among the many women who have endured rape, only a few choose to report their cases to various victim support units. Numerous women hesitate to come forward for various reasons, such as the fear of judgment, blame, and the potential loss of respect within society. Additionally, I once heard a story about a married woman who was raped but chose to keep it a secret, even from her husband, out of fear of jeopardizing her marriage.
However, having heard the complaints of families and friends of victims about how these survivors are made to feel responsible which leads to trauma and even suicide, it is important to emphasize that no one is at fault for being assaulted or raped. Victim support units, counsellors, community groups, fellow women, and community members should be at the forefront, providing both professional and ordinary support to these women. Instead of focusing on their attire, they should propose ways to help them cope with the stress and the ensuing effects.
Women worldwide are at risk of becoming victims of sexual assault, often leading to their isolation from others and even, in some tragic cases, suicide. Even though some survivors choose to speak out, many remain silent due to the fear of judgment and blame. It is crucial for victim support units and others to extend their full support, helping these survivors to recover and understand that the fault lies solely with the assailants.
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