From Trauma to Accountability: The Psychological Impact of Sexual Violence

The harrowing Kolkata rape-murder case has once again brought to light the brutal realities of sexual violence. As we grapple with the shock and grief of such an event, it becomes essential to delve deeper into the psychological dynamics at play— the root of sexual violence and the trauma of the victim.

Root of Sexual Violence

1. Power and Control: At the core of many acts of sexual violence is a profound desire for power and control. The abuser often seeks to dominate and degrade their victim, using violence as a tool to assert their superiority. This need for control may stem from deep-seated insecurities, past traumas, or learned behaviors that associate power with violence.

2. Dehumanization: The abuser typically dehumanizes the victim, seeing them not as a person with their own thoughts, feelings, and autonomy, but as an object to fulfill their desires. This dehumanization makes it easier for the abuser to commit such horrific acts without remorse or empathy.

3. Cognitive Distortions: Abusers often harbor cognitive distortions—irrational and unhealthy thought patterns that justify their actions. They may believe that the victim "deserved" the assault due to their behavior, appearance, or some other factor. These distorted thoughts create a false narrative that absolves the abuser of guilt.

4. Lack of Empathy: A critical aspect of the abuser's psyche is a significant lack of empathy. This emotional deficit means that they are unable to truly understand or feel the pain they inflict on others. Without empathy, the abuser views the victim's suffering as inconsequential or even deserved.

5. Aggression and Impulsivity: Many abusers exhibit heightened levels of aggression and impulsivity. These traits may be exacerbated by substance abuse, mental health issues, or a history of exposure to violence. The combination of impulsivity and aggression creates a volatile mindset where the abuser may act out their violent fantasies with little forethought.

   
   

Trauma of the Victim

1. Overwhelming Fear: The victim of such an assault is often overwhelmed by intense fear, both during and after the event. This fear can be paralyzing, preventing them from fighting back or even seeking help immediately after the assault. The trauma can lead to long-term anxiety and hypervigilance.

2. Helplessness and Powerlessness: Victims often experience a profound sense of helplessness during the assault. The sheer brutality of the attack leaves them feeling powerless, unable to protect themselves from the abuser's violent intentions. This feeling can persist long after the event, leading to depression and a loss of self-worth.

3. Internalized Shame and Guilt: Tragically, victims of sexual violence frequently internalize feelings of shame and guilt. They may irrationally blame themselves for what happened, questioning their actions or decisions that led to the event. This self-blame can be reinforced by societal attitudes that stigmatize victims rather than holding abusers accountable.

4. Disassociation and Numbness: As a coping mechanism, some victims may disassociate during the assault, mentally detaching themselves from the horror of what is happening. This disassociation can continue post-trauma, leading to feelings of numbness, emotional withdrawal, and difficulties in connecting with others.

5. Long-Term Trauma and PTSD: The psychological scars of such an assault can last for years, if not a lifetime. Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional distress. Without proper support and therapy, the trauma can have devastating effects on the victim's mental health and overall well-being.

Hold the Abuser Accountable

As a therapist, it deeply troubles me that when it comes to sexual violence, there's a persistent debate about whether or not to believe the victim. In no other crime is the victim's credibility so intensely scrutinized, and it’s heartbreaking to witness. What’s even more distressing is that the victim often ends up being blamed for the crime, as if their actions, appearance, or choices somehow justified the violence inflicted upon them. This not only compounds their trauma but also perpetuates a culture where abusers are not held accountable. It’s a toxic narrative that we must challenge and change if we are to truly support survivors and seek justice.

The excuses our society makes for their behavior instead of holding them responsible for their acts is uncanny. From scrutinizing what the victims wore, the timing, the location, their profession to making them relive their trauma over and over again, it begs the question - What about the perpetrator?

Broken Systems

How did they deal with the perpetrator? Was their behavior dissected and investigated or were they given considerations? Cultural norms and victim blaming spills over into our judicial system giving the offender more leeway than the victim. The fact that one person has taken advantage of and abused another should be enough grounds for a conviction.

While the Kolkata case is reprehensible, there are innumerable cases such as this that happen every single day. According to statistics from NCRB showed that an average of 90 rape cases were reported everyday in 2022. Whereas the conviction rate was only 27%-28% from 2018-2022. This doesn't include unreported cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape.

How the Indian Judicial System Falls Short:

1. Lengthy Legal Procedures: Cases of rape and sexual assault often get entangled in lengthy legal procedures. This delay can retraumatize victims as they relive their trauma over years, waiting for justice.

2. Victim Blaming and Stigmatization: In many instances, the judicial process involves invasive questioning and a focus on the victim's character, leading to further stigmatization and victim blaming, which can cause additional emotional harm.

3. Low Conviction Rates: Despite stringent laws, the conviction rate in rape and sexual assault cases remains low. This is often due to insufficient evidence, poor investigation, or societal biases that infiltrate the legal process.

4. Inconsistent Application of Laws: The interpretation and application of laws vary widely, leading to inconsistent outcomes. Victims may face vastly different experiences depending on the region, the judge, and the influence of socio-political factors.

5. Lack of Victim-Centered Approaches: The judicial system often fails to adopt a victim-centered approach, where the needs and well-being of the victim are prioritized throughout the legal process. This can lead to further trauma and a sense of helplessness.

What the Indian Judicial System Should Actually Do:

1. Expedite Legal Processes: Establish fast-track courts specifically for cases of sexual assault to ensure swift justice. Speedy trials would reduce the emotional toll on victims and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

2. Eliminate Victim Blaming: Implement strict guidelines to prevent victim blaming during trials. Training judicial officers and legal professionals on trauma-informed approaches can help create a more supportive environment for victims.

3. Improve Investigation and Evidence Collection: Invest in better training and resources for law enforcement to handle sexual assault cases with sensitivity and thoroughness. Ensuring high-quality evidence collection can lead to higher conviction rates.

4. Ensure Consistent Application of Laws: Develop a standardized framework for interpreting and applying laws related to sexual assault across all regions. This would promote fairness and reduce discrepancies in judicial outcomes.

5. Adopt a Victim-Centered Approach: The legal process should prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of victims. Providing access to counseling, protection, and support throughout the trial would help empower victims and aid in their healing process.

Accountability and Compassion

The Kolkata rape-murder case is a stark reminder of the violence that exists in our country. As a society, we must shift our focus from blaming victims to holding abusers accountable. This involves creating safe environments for survivors to seek justice, offering trauma-informed therapy, and promoting education that challenges the toxic mindsets leading to such crimes.

We have a long, long way to go but we can start small. When someone shares about their experience, believe them. Instead of asking them where they've been, why they were there, what they were doing or wearing, show compassion. Hold the perpetrator accountable. Let them choose what their next steps will be unless asked. Don't invalidate their feelings or experience. If it is too much for you to handle, encourage them to reach out to a professional.

If you've been a victim of sexual violence, no matter what your gender, age, profession etc. is, we create a safe space for you to talk and process your trauma. Please visit our website if you wish to book an appointment.