Support for Victims of Sexual Violence
We all have the right to sexual self-determination, sexual inviolability, and physical safety. Anyone, regardless of appearance, gender, age, clothing, or social status, can become a victim of sexual violence anywhere.
In violent relationships, sexual violence is a common form of abuse. Statistics indicate that sexual offenses are most often committed by someone familiar to the victim.
Nothing the victim has done or said justifies a non-consensual sexual act or its attempt.
Sexual violence often remains hidden. It’s not uncommon for feelings of shame and guilt to prevent victims from seeking help or reporting the crime. However, it’s important to understand that nothing the victim has done or said justifies a non-consensual sexual act or its attempt.
The police are responsible for investigating whether a crime has occurred. Regardless of whether the sexual violence meets the criteria for a criminal offense, you can benefit from the assistance offered by support services.
Victims React Differently to the Incident
Reacting to sexual violence is natural and expected. Different people experience sexual violence in various ways. The event may feel unreal. In addition to feelings of shame and guilt, typical consequences include anxiety, difficulty being alone or a need for isolation, memory and concentration problems, impatience, feelings of numbness, anger or worthlessness, eating disorders, and sometimes self-destructive behavior.
Various fears are also typical, such as fears related to sexuality, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, loss of control over one’s life, mental breakdown, or encountering the perpetrator. Many also fear becoming victims of sexual violence again.
Physical symptoms are common, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, nausea, and other aches and pains. The event may repeatedly come to mind as images, smells, sounds, and bodily sensations. The victim may feel unsafe, as the world has become unpredictable, and they may no longer trust people.
Sometimes, the victim wants to forget the entire incident. They may live for many days, even weeks, trying to erase the event from their mind. Some victims never tell anyone about the incident, which can hinder recovery.
Recovery Is Possible
It’s important to remember that a person who has experienced sexual violence is not just a victim. The incident does not define them as a person. They are still a professional in their field, a student, a parent, a friend, a participant in hobbies, and much more. The experience should not be ignored or downplayed. Processing it aids recovery, but all normal daily activities are also beneficial.
It’s crucial for the victim to receive help as soon as possible.
The victim needs belief in their survival, a sense of security, and support in processing negative and painful emotions. External help is often significantly beneficial in the recovery process. The assistance should be long-term and occur on the victim’s terms.
It’s crucial for the victim to receive help as soon as possible. It may be challenging for the victim to seek and access help on their own. A person who has experienced sexual violence should consider confiding in a trusted close person and getting support in seeking professional help.
In cases like rape, forensic examinations and immediate crisis support are the first support services the victim should seek or be directed to: Seri Support Centres in Finland
Further support services are available from RIKU and many other organizations and healthcare providers. Many have found significant help in professionally guided peer support. Peer support groups can be inquired about through local services.
How Can a Loved One Support Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Violence?
It’s paramount to believe the victim when they share their experience. Any blaming or hindsight is unnecessary and can lead the victim to withdraw.
It’s important for the victim to feel heard and to restore their sense of security. The victim needs empathy and encouragement. Processing the experience takes time and cannot be rushed.
Fear should not be dismissed in discussions if the victim wishes to talk about it. Living in fear is draining. Talking about fear alleviates anxiety and helps manage it. Encouragement from a loved one can significantly influence whether the victim seeks professional help.
Encouragement and positive feedback increase confidence in one’s abilities and recovery.
As a loved one, you can ensure that the victim has regular daily routines and activities to distract them. Outdoor activities or moderate exercise can improve well-being and help gather strength. Drawing, painting, or music can also be good ways to express emotions and calm the mind.
In the initial stages, practical daily help, such as handling shopping or cooking, can be a good way to support the victim. Gradually, with small steps, you can encourage the victim to manage daily tasks themselves. Encouragement and positive feedback increase confidence in one’s abilities and recovery.
Child as a Victim of Sexual Crime
When a child is a victim of a sexual crime, it’s important to understand that children react to traumatic events according to their age and developmental level, but otherwise very similarly to adults. In some situations, a child may not visibly react at all, which is also normal.
It’s also important to understand that in some situations, such as when a young person becomes a victim of a sexual crime, they may not perceive themselves as a victim. For example, in cases of sexual exploitation of a child (known before 2023 as sexual abuse), they may be angry at people trying to interfere in their relationship with the perpetrator. If the perpetrator is a family member or otherwise very close, the child may also want to protect them. A young child may worry that after disclosing the incident, they will be punished or fear they will go to jail themselves.
As a parent or loved one, it’s important to ensure that normal routines continue in the child’s life and that there’s more to life than the victim experience. However, the experience cannot be ignored. The child also needs answers to their questions. They need time to understand the event and process the resulting emotions. Professional help is often necessary.
As a parent, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Sometimes the reactions of loved ones are stronger than the child’s, which can hinder their recovery. It helps the child when parents seek information and support for themselves as well. RIKU offers support to both the child and their parents and loved ones. Read more
Assistance with the Criminal Process
Holding the perpetrator criminally responsible can be a restorative experience for the victim. To investigate a criminal matter, a police report must be filed.
RIKU offers victims or their loved ones free practical legal advice and concrete support regarding the criminal process. RIKU provides conversational support and helps prepare for the criminal process. A RIKU support person can accompany the victim during police interviews and court proceedings.
RIKU also assists in obtaining legal counsel. In sexual offense cases, the victim may be entitled to free legal counsel regardless of income and assets.
A New Sexual Offense Law
A new sexual offense law came into effect at the beginning of 2023. The reform strengthens everyone’s sexual self-determination and protection of personal integrity. Read more on the Ministry of Justice’s website