Coping With The Impact Of Disturbing News On Sexual Assault: Expert Weighs In

The brutal rape and murder of a doctor in the hospital’s seminar room left a profound impact on us. From Nirbhaya and Anamika to Priyanka and now Kolkata’s doctor, these heinous crimes continue to instil fear in our minds, making us question if our parents were right about the world being a dangerous place with predators disguised as human beings.

According to the NCRB 2022 report, crimes against women in India increased by 4% compared to 2021. In 2022, 445,256 cases were reported, up from 428,278 in 2021. This follows a 15.3% spike in crimes against women in 2021 compared to 2020.

The Horrific Aftermath Of Sexual Assault Making Headlines

Credits: 123RF

Although media is a great tool to break the silence and spread awareness about sexual violence, triggering news headlines of assaults often puts many sexual abuse survivors at risk of being traumatised all over again. The recent onslaught of sexual assault news headlines has left hundreds of women triggered, full of anxiety, and helpless. Being overly exposed to such news brings the fear and trauma back to the surface level, hindering your daily life. Personally, I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder when travelling by metro, avoiding going out after 8:00 pm, and I feel scared even inside my home.

I talked to other women around me and discovered I wasn’t alone. My mother, Babita, 49, is now worried about me more than ever, persuading me to get permanent work from home. “Earlier I used to feel safe at my workplace but since the Kolkata news is out, I keep seeing everyone with a suspicious eye,” said Akriti, 25.

“Honestly, these headlines prove how hopeless it is for women. Every time you look at your phone, there's news of either a colleague molesting a woman, or someone beating, raping, or killing a woman, and if you feel disgusted at this, sometimes there's news of even a father raping his child. And no, this is not only happening to adult women but toddlers and 80-year-olds are also the victims,” said Anamika, 28.

With news of sexual abuse being all over the internet these days, sometimes calling a time out from reading or indulging yourself in coping practices is what you need to maintain a healthy state of mind. To get the much-needed help on the topic, I reached out to Dr Sangeeta Patel, Psychotherapist at Mpower, the mental health initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust.

The Triggering Effect Of Sexual Assault Coverage

Credits: Greater Good Magazine

“First, we need to understand how being overly exposed to the media coverage of sexual assault can backfire. Sexual assault headlines can be a trigger for many women, provoking memories and emotions associated with past traumatic experiences. The graphic details provided and descriptions of upcoming stories can place survivors back in their own experiences, leaving feelings of distress, anxiety, and flashbacks to re-merge,” said Dr Patel.

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Who Is The Most Impacted?

“Although everyone could be, sexual assault coverage affects survivors of sexual abuse the most. Being exposed to such sensitive news can further impact them with the process of being re-victimised, elevating levels of stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Dr Patel. In addition, survivors from oppressed communities, like Dalit women and LGBTQ+ individuals, could suffer compounded trauma due to systemic oppression and erasure.

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How To Cope When Sexual Abuse News Is All Over The Internet

Credits: Spearhead Health

“As a psychologist, I know how such reports can affect people—more so, the survivors of sexual abuse,” said Dr Patel. It’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy state of mind during such times. Therefore, here are some self-care practices Dr Patel has advised us to follow:

1. Limit Exposure: Take periodic breaks from social media and news to decrease your overall exposure to triggering material.
2. Seek Support: Contact trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals for emotional support.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Engage in activities that help relax and reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
4. Reclaim Control: Stay involved with empowering activities like exercise, creative pursuits, or boundary setting.
5. You Are Not Alone: Join support groups or online forums to share experiences and try to come together in solidarity with some of those who get your battles.

Dealing with headlines about sexual assault requires self-awakening, support, and self-care. By recognising the emotional triggers these stories can evoke and prioritising our well-being, we can begin to heal and find strength. Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.