Women raise their voices when they feel like equals
One in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence, states the United Nations. World over, women are raising their voices using #MeToo on various social media channels. But, the question that many ask is why were they silent all this time?
Karen Anne Andrews, a clinical psychologist based in Dubai, explains that a woman, when attacked, could have multiple reactions, including shame, fear and anger.
She said: “Survivors of sexual assault routinely feel guilt and self-blame. Depending on the nature, severity and perpetrator of the attack, as well as her personal individual psychological makeup, she may feel a range of emotions. She could be traumatised and experience flashbacks, heightened levels of anxiety, hyper vigilance and mistrust of the entire masculine gender.”
Knowing the perpetrator
If the case goes to court, having to relive the incident could also be a traumatic experience. The situation is worse if the victim knows the perpetrator.
Dr Shankar Srinivas Kuchibatla, a consultant psychiatrist based in Dubai, said: “If the perpetrator is a close family member or a friend, the victim is ambivalent about disclosing the incident to her family or authorities for the fear of losing the support of the family and feared consequences of disrupted relationships. In some cases, victims are in fear of further attack to her or her closed ones, like siblings or family members.”
Dr Tara Wyne, a clinical psychologist based in Dubai, said: “Few women feel strong enough or equipped enough to go through the ordeal of telling strangers in law-enforcement what had happened to them.”
Another key factor is equality. When women feel like equals, they are more likely to raise their voice. Jaime Napier, an assistant professor of psychology based in Abu Dhabi, explains: “In Sweden, which has very high gender equality, women are more likely to report sexual harassment than anywhere else in the world. Because they feel safe.”