Counselling approach to Rape
The issues of rape in the society at large have become so alarming that the need for counseling and other helping professions become so paramount.
It is good if we have a full knowledge of rape, the things to do and some ways counselling can help.
Rape is when sexual intercourse is non-consensual (not agreed upon), or a person forces another person to have sex against their will. It can happen when the victim is intoxicated from alcohol or drugs. Rape includes intercourse in the vagina, anus, or mouth.
Rape and sexual assault is a physically and psychologically traumatizing crime committed against both male and female victims and the effects of such a crime can have a devastating psychological impact on the lives of not only the victim but also family and friends of the victim. If you have been sexually assaulted, whether as an adult or a young person, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault.
Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
There are several types of rape. Rape is a violent crime involving sexual acts forced on one person by another. Rape is technically defined as forced penetration (with any body part or object) including anal, vaginal or oral intercourse. Rape is illegal and while the term “rape” specifies penetration, other sexual acts not involving penetration, when forced on someone, are also illegal.
The forms of rape may be specified based on who is committing the rape, who the rape victim is and the specific actions involved in the rape. Some types of rape are considered much more severe than others. For example, any type of rape resulting in someone’s death is punishable by death in developed countries.
TYPES OF RAPE
Diminished Capacity Rape
The type of rape known as diminished capacity rape is committed when one person forces sexual penetration on another person who cannot consent to the sex act. People with diminished capacity can’t consent to sexual acts due to limited physical or intellectual ability. An example would be a person with an intellectual disability.
Diminished capacity rape also takes place when a person has no ability to consent to sexual acts due to intoxication.
Age-Related Rape
Another form of rape is age-related. This type of rape is often known as statutory rape as specified both in federal and state law. In this case, sexual actions with a person below a minimum age is considered illegal in all cases. Often this age is 12. There is often another age, known as the age of consent. Sexual acts with a person above the minimum age but below the age of consent may be considered rape depending on the perpetrator. Specific ages are specified by state.
Incest
Incest is a type of rape dictated by the relationship between the two parties. When the two parties involved in the sex act are closely related (in other words, they are family), it is often rape. Examples of incest include:
- Parents and children
- Uncles and nieces or nephews
- Aunts and nieces or nephews
Laws vary by state as to specifically what constitutes incest.
Family members account for 7% of rapists
Partner Rape
Partner rape, also known as spousal rape or marital rape, is a type of rape involving a person’s partner or previous partner (no matter whether the partners are married). There are three types of partner rape:
- Battering rape – involving both physical and sexual violence
- Force-only rape – involving the imposition of power and control over another
- Obsessive/Sadistic rape – involving torture and perverse sexual acts
Acquaintance Rape
This type of rape happens between two people that know each other. Often acquaintance rape is known as “date rape” as the two people involved may be in a social relationship at the time. Some victims don’t recognize acquaintance rape as rape but it’s important to remember that consent for sexual activity can be revoked at any time and a prior relationship does not mean that rape cannot occur.
Two-out-of-three sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows
Aggravated Rape
Aggravated rape is a type of rape defined in the law. Aggravated rape involves:
- Forced sex acts by the threat of death or serious bodily injury
- Forced sex acts involving an unconscious or drugged victim
- Sex acts with children under the age of 12
Other Types of Rape
Rape can occur in many other ways as well, including by strangers or in conjunction with a hate crime. However, it’s critical to remember that whatever form of rape occurs, it is always the fault of the rapist and never the fault of the victim. There are several types of rape. Rape is a violent crime involving sexual acts forced on one person by another. Rape is technically defined as forced penetration (with any body part or object) including anal, vaginal or oral intercourse. Rape is illegal and while the term “rape” specifies penetration, other sexual acts not involving penetration, when forced on someone, are also illegal.
The forms of rape may be specified based on who is committing the rape, who the rape victim is and the specific actions involved in the rape. Some types of rape are considered much more severe than others. For example, any type of rape resulting in someone’s death is punishable by death in the United States.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, there are services that can help. You don’t have to report the assault to police if you don’t want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you. However, consider getting medical help as soon as possible, because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic medical examination takes place, the better.
Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police.
Where you go for help will depend on what’s available in your area and what you want to do. For specialist medical attention and sexual violence support, whether you decide to have a forensic medical examination or not, your first point of call is a sexual assault referral center (SARC).
The following services will also provide treatment or support, and can refer you to another service if you need more specialist help (such as a SARC):
- a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- a voluntary organisation, such as Women’s Aid, the 24-hour free phone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
- the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year)
- a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- a contraceptive clinic
- a young people’s service
- NHS 111
- the police, or dial 101
In an emergency, dial 999, If you decide to report the assault to the police, they can arrange for you to attend a SARC for medical care and, if you wish, a forensic medical examination.
If you have not reported the assault to the police, you can still refer yourself to a SARC for assessment and medical treatment to prevent some STIs and pregnancy.
If you refer yourself to a SARC and are considering reporting the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to have an informal talk with a specially trained police officer, who can explain what is involved.
HOW WE CAN HELP @ THE SOLACE ZONE
Step 1
To begin your treatment, one of our Therapists will begin by asking you about yourself and life before the rape or sexual assault to give them a context for your experiences and ensure that the approach that they prescribed is tailored to your individual needs and personality. This will also give you time to get to know your Therapist and feel comfortable in their company.
Step 2
Your Therapist will then talk to you about your rape or sexual abuse and its impact on you and your life at a level of detail that you feel comfortable. You will not be asked to provide details that you are not comfortable sharing.
Step 3
Your Therapist will then teach you the skills you need to reduce your emotional distress and process your experiences in a way that allows them to gradually move into the background of your memory and the pain associated with them to soften.
Step 4
Finally, you will then work together to repair any damage done to your self-esteem and confidence and re-engage with your life and relationships.
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