Both partner violence and sexual assault take place on a frequent basis and can be found in all social classes as well as races. Both of them contribute towards a large number of injurious psychological as well as physical sequelae, in the short-term and also in the long-term. The victims of partner violence do have “a fivefold-increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder; 10% of domestic violence victims attempt suicide” (Donohoe, 2008, p.26). The victims of partner violence may as well go through a recurrence of physical as well as psychological symptoms in the relationships that would come later which otherwise are healthy. On the other hand, the victims of sexual assault portray a “much higher prevalence of alcoholism and drug abuse than the general population, with substance abuse beginning after the rape” (Donohoe, 2008, p.26). The early “psychological sequelae of rape or sexual assault include withdrawal, confusion, psychological numbing, a sense of vulnerability, denial, and distrust of others” (Donohoe, 2008, p.26).
Victims of partner violence as well as sexual assault need to seek treatment. However, there are some barriers that may hinder them from doing this. One of this is the stigma of reporting. For instance, a woman or a man may fear to go and report that he or she has been sexually molested; believing that people will develop a bad picture about him or her. Moreover, a man may fear to report that his wife has abused him or exercised partner violence on him for he may fear that the society may consider him to be a coward. Therefore, in order for one to receive treatment, he or she should overcome the stigma of reporting (Gabaeff, 2012).
References
Donohoe, M.T. (2008). Violence against women: Partner abuse and sexual assault. Hospital Physician, 1(1), 24 – 31.
Gabaeff, S. C. (2012). Sexual assault. eMedicineHealth, Web.