Reclaiming Yourself: Treating the Effects of Sexual Violence

01 Reclaiming yourself: treating the effects of sexual violence and harassment

At the end of 2017, the public testimonies of famous women who had been victims of sexual violence and harassment shocked the world. The #metoo movement went viral instantly. The stories of women and men who had suffered abuse exposed the perpetrators and sparked a worldwide movement in support of survivors of sexual violence and harassment.

Here is why this matters. Survivors of sexual violence go through an immense trauma. Outwardly, it may not show at all. Yet shame, terror, guilt, the feeling that your body no longer belongs to you and self-loathing are constant companions of those who have experienced violence. Many women and men who have been raped blame themselves rather than the perpetrator. Knowing that they are not alone becomes a lifeline: it restores survivors’ belief in themselves, helps them cope with dark, negative thoughts and, in some cases, even prevents suicide.

Support from loved ones and society, however, is not always enough. Sexual violence and harassment lead to mental health disorders that require treatment at a clinic under the guidance of an experienced psychotherapist or psychoanalyst.

02 The effects of sexual violence and harassment

Survivors of sexual violence and harassment often suffer from mental health disorders: Depression. The survivor experiences feelings of hopelessness and despondency. Depression ranges from mild and fleeting to intense and debilitating.

Anxiety. The feeling of anxiety has no clear source. For survivors of sexual violence, anxiety may take the form of fear that the attack will happen again. This can lead to agoraphobia – survivors become afraid to leave the house. Many suffer from panic attacks, physical symptoms of anxiety or a chronic fear of the person who harmed them.

Post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterised by anxiety, depression and recurring memories of the rape. Post-traumatic stress, especially in children, can lead to personality disorders.

Personality disorders. Doctors link the disorder known as “borderline personality” to sexual violence. For example, one characteristic of borderline personality is a fear of abandonment.

Attachment disorders. This problem mainly affects people who experienced sexual abuse in childhood. They may struggle with intimacy or strive too hard to form close attachments.

Drug addiction. People who experienced abuse in childhood are 26 times more likely to use drugs (study by Herman, Susser, Struening and Link, 1997).

Triggers. Stimuli that remind the survivor of the abuse are called “triggers”. For example, a rape survivor whose attacker was chewing gum may relive the experience and feel negative emotions at the smell of mint.

03 Treating the effects of sexual violence and harassment in Switzerland

Although sexual violence is a traumatic, life-changing experience, recovery is possible. An experienced, sensitive therapist will help you cope with its effects and regain confidence and a sense of calm. Dr Claudia Elsig specialises in psychotraumatology, including the treatment of trauma related to sexual violence in childhood and adulthood. Dr Elsig has practised psychiatry and psychoanalysis for more than 20 years, four of which she spent leading a special commission on clinical hypnosis at a private clinic in Zurich.

In 2004, Dr Elsig founded the private psychiatric clinic CALDA. It is considered one of the best premium psychiatric clinics in Switzerland. CALDA uses a unique integrative medicine approach to treating mental health disorders, with great attention paid to restoring the body’s biochemical processes.

An individual and innovative approach to treating trauma allows the CALDA team to achieve its goals quickly. After treatment at the clinic, an individual rehabilitation plan is drawn up for each patient.

04 The solution is to act

Although the world has begun to discuss rape and harassment openly, the proportion of cases reported to the police remains low: only 32 per cent of victims report what happened. Myths about rape still leave many survivors feeling isolated and guilty.

It is dangerous to stay alone with your pain. The best step is to confide in an experienced therapist. The doctor guarantees anonymity, will help you work through the problem and restore your control over your body and mind.