The Cycle of Victimization: Understanding The Aftermath For Rape Survivors And Its Larger Impact

Women in India don't have a safe haven, step outside, or stay within the confines of their homes, they are vulnerable to abuse and sexual assault far and near. Obtaining justice is an arduous and painfully slow process. While the justice system often fails victims, it is unfortunate that the society that should offer support also abandons them, shaking them to the core.

Even when victims take the courageous step of bringing together shattered pieces of their lives after being subjected to something harrowing, the societal stigma haunts them. In a recent incident, a young girl who had been a victim of gang rape was barred from attending her school board exams. The school cited her presence as troublesome to the atmosphere and advised her to study from home. Why does society allow perpetrators to roam freely while victims are denied the chance to move forward with their lives?

Gang Rape Survivor Not Allowed To Sit For Board Exams

Last year, the student was sexually assaulted by her uncle and two other men. After the distressing incident, the school advised her to study at home as she might end up spoiling the 'atmosphere'. Ever since then, she has been studying at home. When it came to writing her board exams, the girl in her complaint to the Child Welfare Commission (CWC) of Ajmer alleged that she was informed by the school administrators that she was no longer a student at the school when she went to pick up her admit card.

Her parents then realised that it was because their daughter was a rape survivor. The student was suggested to reach out to the child helpline number in the state after which the investigation began. The Chairperson of the Child Welfare Commission (CWC) of Ajmer then discussed the issue with the student and confirmed in a report that she would be arranging for the student's board examination.

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The Cycle Of Victimisation

Beyond the trauma of the assault, what awaits the survivors of heinous crimes like gang rape is rejection from their community. They are subjected to shame, and made to feel unworthy, further adding to the emotional toll of the assault. No wonder many victims are hesitant to come forward and seek justice because there is a constant fear of judgment, and no support or understanding from society, and the aftermath is the inability to rebuild their lives. 

This is the cycle of victimisation. The trauma continues for survivors of sexual violence even later, making it harder for them to regain a sense of security and dignity. 

Sneha Dev, Clinical Psychologist, at The Child Clinic, New Delhi stressing the damaging impact of such rejection from society said, “Being abandoned by society leads to psychological trauma and questioning their self-worth. It can put them through depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Society's abandonment also makes survivors have feelings of distrust, and fear and also blame themselves for being in this situation. They may lose faith in the support systems and institutions meant to protect them. Without societal support, survivors of gang rape may struggle to access essential support services such as counseling, medical care, and legal assistance. This also perpetuates the cycle of victimization, leaving survivors vulnerable to further harm themselves and their lives.”

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The unfortunate Ajmer occurrence highlights the urgent need for societal transformation, compassion, and support for survivors of sexual assault. It is imperative to permanently break the cycle of victimisation and create a safer, more supportive world for those subjected to such trauma. Don't you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or on our social media handles.