Healing From The Shock Of Sexual Harassment By A Relative: Unsafe At Home

Sexual harassment of any kind is devastating, but when the perpetrator is a family member, it becomes even more shocking and traumatic. This leaves victims emotionally scarred and isolated. Coping with the shock and trauma requires acknowledging the emotional impact, finding a safe space to share, and receiving unconditional support from trusted individuals. We spoke to Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road, and legal expert Niharika Karanjawala-Misra, Principal Associate at Karanjawala & Co., who gave us their valuable insights as to how the victim and their family can navigate this situation. Keep reading to learn more.

How To Cope With The Shock Of Facing Sexual Harassment From A Family Member?

Facing sexual harassment from a relative can lead to deep emotional trauma. According to Dr. Sonal Anand, victims often experience a range of emotions such as shock, guilt, fear, and shame. "It can be hard to accept that someone you trust could cause this much harm," she explains. Many victims feel isolated and betrayed, often doubting their own sense of judgement."

The first step is to acknowledge the emotional turmoil. "Victims need to understand that this is not their fault, no matter what the situation was," Dr. Anand emphasises. It's important not to suppress emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration. Accepting these feelings allows the healing process to begin.

How Should Victims Approach Opening Up About The Incident?

Opening up about sexual harassment, especially when the perpetrator is a family member, can be daunting. Victims may feel torn between protecting their family’s reputation and seeking justice. Dr. Anand advises victims to first find a safe person or space where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences. "It could be a trusted family member, a close friend, or a therapist," she says. If talking feels too difficult, writing in a journal can help organise thoughts and emotions.

Victims are encouraged to join support groups, either in person or online, to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding, which can help the victim regain emotional strength. As Dr. Anand puts it, “Healing comes from realising you are not alone.”

How Should Parents Support Their Child When They Open Up To Them?

When a child or adult opens up about being sexually harassed by a family member, the parent's reaction can significantly influence their healing process. Dr. Anand stresses the importance of believing the child: "The way parents respond can either encourage their child to continue sharing or force them to retreat into silence."

Parents should avoid reacting aggressively, as this can make the child feel blamed or further traumatised. Instead, listen without interruptions and provide a reassuring response. "Let them know you believe them and are with them every step of the way," says Dr. Anand. Taking legal action is necessary to ensure the child’s safety and bring the perpetrator to justice. Supporting your child throughout this difficult time is crucial to their recovery.

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How Should The Victim Approach This Legally?

When the perpetrator is a family member, deciding whether to take legal action can be extremely challenging. Niharika Karanjawala-Misra provided the following essential legal guidance for victims:

• 1. Understand Your Rights: The victim must know they have the right to file a complaint and seek legal justice, regardless of the perpetrator's relationship. "No one is above the law, even if the person is a family member," states Karanjawala-Misra.
• 2. File an FIR: “The first step is filing a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station,” she advises. Victims are entitled to file this report with sensitivity and respect from the authorities. If the police station lacks a women’s cell, they should request assistance from an officer trained to handle cases of sexual assault with care.
• 3. Seek Support from NGOs: Many organisations and helplines provide legal and emotional support. "State and district-level authorities can also provide resources such as halfway houses for victims," Karanjawala-Misra adds. These safe spaces are essential for victims who fear retaliation or homelessness after reporting the incident.
• 4. Know the Legal Consequences: It’s important for the victim to understand the legal implications and process involved. "Legal action can be a long and emotionally draining process," she explains, but victims should be encouraged by the fact that justice is on their side.

Taking these steps may feel overwhelming, but with the right legal support and guidance, victims can move forward in seeking justice while protecting themselves from further harm.

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Although it may feel exhausting to fight for justice right after going through such an experience, especially when the perpetrator is someone they thought was a loved one, victims must understand that seeking justice is their right. No perpetrator, even within the family, should go unpunished.

The most important part is to remember that you are not alone. You deserve to be heard, seen, and given the justice you are owed. But most importantly, never forget—it is not your fault.

Image Credits: Freepik

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