Sexual assault is an act of violence that can be physical, verbal, visual, emotional, psychological, or digital. It is committed against one person by another person for nonconsensual purposes. Sexual violence has been recognized as a serious public health problem because it results in significant short-term and long-term effects on mental and physical well-being. As such, individuals who have experienced sexual assault undergo various processes of reconstructing their moral and ethical frameworks to deal with the trauma they experience. This essay will discuss some ways survivors can reconstruct these frameworks after being violated sexually.
Survivors are forced to question their perception of self and others.
They may feel disconnected from themselves and view other people with suspicion or fear. They may also develop negative thoughts about their bodies, which could lead to low self-esteem. Moreover, they may blame themselves for what happened, which negatively impacts their sense of worth. Secondly, survivors reevaluate relationships. They might withdraw into themselves or avoid intimacy altogether, affecting their ability to trust others. Also, they may become distrustful of all men/women/people in general, making it difficult to form new connections. Thirdly, survivors revisit their values and beliefs regarding sex and relationships. They may see them differently, leading to changes in behavior or actions. Fourthly, they may experience difficulty in expressing their needs and desires due to shame, guilt, or embarrassment. Lastly, survivors seek support systems that validate their experiences without judgment or blaming. These include counseling, therapy, support groups, family members, friends, or partners.
Sexual violence compels survivors to alter how they perceive themselves, others, and the world around them. The process requires time and effort but ultimately leads to healing and growth. It is crucial for society to provide resources and support to help individuals overcome trauma's effects, including moral and ethical framework reconstruction.
In what ways does sexual violence compel survivors to reconstruct moral and ethical frameworks?
Sexual assault can have a significant impact on an individual's sense of morality and ethics. It is often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame which can lead individuals to question their own values and beliefs about right and wrong. This can result in a shift in moral framework where individuals may begin to view themselves as 'bad' or immoral for being victimized.