Emotional support: key in the lives of those who report an act of violence

As a psychologist, I provide services at Casa de la Mujer (Women's Center). A few days ago, a young woman arrived at our offices who was a victim of sexual assault. Based on my limited legal knowledge, after listening to her and observing the marks on her body, the classification of the crime is incorrect. In addition to rape, there was also attempted femicide; the aggressor tried to strangle her and beat her with such fury that she maintains his intention was to kill her.

What remains in my mind is the desperation in her words, the uncontrollable tears, her trembling hands, her gaze, which only pleaded for help, and a small voice that faded amidst the sobs. Her body expressed fear; sitting in the chair, she huddled down, hiding her head, like a baby or a kitten searching for its mother.

At the Women's Shelter, I've encountered unimaginable, indescribable cases that express the cruelty of the aggressors, the power of the aggressors manifested in violence. From time to time, the story repeats itself: "I'm going to teach you respect," "If your father didn't raise you, I will"... the aggressor, considering himself the judge, the arbiter of truth, capable of guiding a "lost" woman to find her way, every time he shouted, he whipped the body of the girl, young woman, or woman. How long will we endure this system that rewards aggressors and condemns victims?

I know that just the idea of ​​sexual assault makes our skin crawl, causes us pain; no one can imagine the immense pain, shame, disgust, and humiliation that a woman feels when "someone unknown or unwanted" dares to defile her body, dares to touch her soul.

For all these reasons, I believe that emotional support throughout the entire process is crucial. The victim wants to feel a helping hand, an encouraging voice, and the right words to bolster her self-love, to move forward step by step, rebuilding her self-confidence and trust in others. It is essential to remain steadfast and strong so that she does not abandon the process. The victim wants to hear, "We believe you; we trust your word." If all mental health professionals provided close support to victims of sexual assault, they would never back down; they would never abandon their recovery.

Active listening, feedback, and containment are crucial to helping achieve justice.

The process is more arduous than we think; all procedures must be followed, the public prosecutor must act as a defender of the citizenry and expedite the arrest of the rapist to guarantee the rights of the victims.

This morning, I spoke to her again. She asked me not to leave her alone. I replied that this is just the beginning and that we will support her in every way we can.

This case is just one of many. Let us not allow the hearts and lives of so many young women to wither away because of patriarchal and sexist violence. Let us end the year with a commitment to remain vigilant in denouncing, supporting, and assisting our sisters from a feminist perspective.

Psychologist at the Women's Center