"Not All Men, But Every Woman Has A Story": Importance Of Safe Spaces And Communities For Sexual Assault Survivors

As the country unites with a whisper of courage amidst the shadows of silence and shame post the horrific Kolkata rape-murder case. The unspoken truth is that every woman has a story and that’s just a testament to the pervasive impact of sexual assault in our lives. But it is high time that we shatter the stigma, amplify the voices, and create sanctuaries of support - for in the power of shared experience lies the path to healing, empowerment, and transformation.

Kiara Jain, a mental wellness and personal transformation coach, and visionary founder of Mindful Living shared some insights on how family members and friends can support sexual assault victims in empowering rather than guilt-tripping.

Importance Of Community For Sexual Assault Survivors

Kiara explained that to support sexual assault survivors, you require a delicate balance of empathy, patience, and unconditional support. “Family members and friends are crucial in helping the survivor navigate their recovery journey. When loved ones offer understanding and care, it can significantly aid healing. On the other hand, guilt-tripping the survivor is not only harmful but also counterproductive, as it undermines their recovery by instilling feelings of shame and self-blame. Empowering a survivor begins with accepting and validating their experiences, acknowledging the trauma they've endured, and allowing them to express their emotions freely.” (5 Horrific Rape Cases That Shook The Nation After Nirbhaya)

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Jain said that this approach can be helpful for the survivors in regaining a sense of control over their lives, fostering a feeling of empowerment. “Family and friends need to be non-judgmental, respect the survivor's choices, whether they choose to seek counselling, continue their career, or make other life decisions, and offer unwavering support throughout the healing process. Guilt-tripping, on the other hand, involves blaming the survivor, questioning their actions, or implying that they could have prevented the assault,” she added.

She talked about how such behaviour can severely damage the survivor's self-esteem and hinder their path to recovery. “Statements like ‘You shouldn't have been there’ or ‘You shouldn't have worn that’ can not only take away the survivor's confidence but can also deepen their trauma. Therefore, it’s vital to prioritise empowering the survivor, respecting their autonomy, and being a constant source of support, rather than imposing guilt. By doing so, loved ones can help the survivor reclaim their sense of self and move forward in their healing journey,” explained Kiara. (Mental Health Care Tips For Sexual Assault Survivors)

Dr Sravani Reddy, Founder & CEO of Soprav Healthcare Consulting, shared, “The rising tide of assaults on women is a harrowing reminder that every woman has a story—often, not just one, but many. Tragically, these stories often begin in places once deemed safe: our homes, schools, and workplaces.”

“It's heartbreaking that no woman, from infancy to adulthood, is spared from the trauma of such violations. Only another woman who has endured this pain can truly understand its profound impact,” she said with a sad heart.

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She highlighted the need to address the roots of this crisis. She mentioned that instead of perversion or uncontrollable desires, it’s rather about how we raise our sons and their perspective of respecting women from an early age. “Our laws, security measures, and societal values must be stronger and more stringent. We need more than basic training; we need justice, dignity, and humanity to be at the forefront of our fight. The silence surrounding these horrors must be shattered.” said Dr Reddy.

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