Prevalence of Unreported Incidents of Sexual Misconduct Among Females
In a world where self-esteem and empowerment are often emphasized, it is crucial to acknowledge the reality that many women, particularly those with a history of sexual abuse or assault, may not fully comprehend the connection between their past experiences and their present behaviour.
This disconnection can stem from the profound impact that previous sexual abuse may have on a woman's sense of ownership over her own body, shattering her self-esteem and leaving her feeling helpless and vulnerable. This sense of helplessness can persist into adulthood, influencing how women respond to overtures of sexual harassment.
Many survivors of sexual abuse may find themselves freezing or slipping into denial when faced with such situations. This denial and minimization of the abuse can be a coping mechanism, a way to protect themselves from the emotional turmoil that comes with reliving the trauma.
The climate of secrecy and silence surrounding issues of sexual harassment and assault is a significant barrier to change. Women who have been sexually abused or assaulted and were not believed in the past are less likely to report further instances of sexual misconduct. The fear of consequences, such as job loss or being branded a troublemaker, deters many women from speaking up.
The #MeToo movement has empowered many women to come forward and tell their truth, but women with a history of abuse have a harder time both defending themselves from and reporting sexual misconduct right away. Their accounts are often scrutinized to the point of exhaustion, and there has been a long history of women not being believed. Previous instances of not being believed when reporting sexual abuse can have a powerful and lasting effect on a victim's sense of self and their willingness to report future instances of sexual misconduct.
Shame is a significant factor in the emotional wounding experienced by victims of sexual violence. The sense of shame may cause survivors to blame themselves for the sexual misconduct of the perpetrator. This self-blame can further erode their self-esteem and make it even harder for them to come forward.
It is important to remember that approximately 1 in 3 girls are sexually abused or raped in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the need for a focus on raising self-esteem in girls and young women, but it also highlights the importance of acknowledging that they are not safe from sexual abuse and assault.
Women who have been sexually abused as children or raped as adults are at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted or harassed in the future. Survivors of previous sexual abuse may experience a sense of vulnerability, hopelessness, and helplessness, making them more susceptible to further abuse.
The psychotherapist Alice Miller once said, "The most important thing a parent can do for a child is to love them for who they are, to validate their feelings, and to see them truly." This sentiment extends to all women who have been victims of sexual abuse. They deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.
The exposure of the secrecy and silence surrounding issues of sexual harassment and assault is a crucial step towards making a significant change. Only by acknowledging and addressing the struggles faced by survivors can we hope to create a safer, more supportive world for all women.
