The most immediate person affected by sexual violence is the victim/survivor, but the effects of sexual violence also go far beyond individual survivors, impacting their closest relationships as well as impacting communities & society at large. #AvonsPracticalTips
1. Impact on the survivor
Regardless of whether an assault happened recently or many years ago, it may impact daily functioning. A wide range of reactions can impact victims. Some common emotional, psychological and physical reactions follow.
Sexual violence rips at the fabric of community well-being - schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods, campuses, and cultural or religious communities feel a mixture of fear and anger in the aftermath of a sexual assault.
Additionally, there are financial costs which can include medical and mental health services, legal expenses, lost work time and productivity, and the incalculable lost contributions of individuals affected by sexual violence.
Although the economic costs of rape and sexual assault are hard to quantify and the data is limited, various research studies have examined such costs as medical and victim services, loss of productivity, and law enforcement resources.
Researchers also generally agree that intangible costs of rape, though difficult to monetize, are especially high in cases of sexual assault, due to the serious physical and mental health consequences for survivors.
In addition, rape is the most costly to its victims due to losses associated with job turnover, sick leave, and individual and group productivity among federal employees.
According to a study by Ellis, Atkeson & Calhoun (1981), 50% of rape victims lost or were forced to quit their jobs in the year following their rapes due to the severity of the impact of their trauma.
When someone is a victim of sexual violence, it affects not only the survivor but everyone around them. Sexual violence can affect many people in a victim/survivor’s life: parents, friends, partners, co-workers, etc.
Part of what makes it so difficult for loved ones of a rape victim is not knowing what to say or do.
With that in mind, here are ways to offer constructive help and support. #AvonsPracticalTips
a.) Allow the survivor to make his or her own decisions
This can be difficult but while it can be very tempting to “take over” for a while in an attempt to help the survivor, remember that rape represents a moment that's out of the survivor's control. #AvonsPracticalTips
As a result, reestablishing that control is very important. Try to defer to a survivor’s decisions, even if they decide to let you make some decisions. Then at least that was their choice and not yours.
If a survivor wants to talk, try to be an open listener. If they prefer not to talk about the assault, then try to be supportive in other ways, letting them know that you care about him/her and are willing to listen at a later time if so desired.
A great deal of harm is done, often unintentionally, to survivors because the people around them believe the myths that surround rape. Rape is never the fault of the survivor, but rather the fault of the rapist.
Although the above tweet sounds like a simple, even obvious, fact, much of the misinformation that exists points to the victim as being responsible for the rape. Educating yourself allows you to provide informed, compassionate support.
Being a willing listener, who acknowledges the feelings of a person, makes a significant positive impact. Sometimes it’s very useful to simply be with a person and create a safe silence.
Finally, whether you know the rape victim or not, you have a role to play. Your support or lack of it makes a difference. How you respond to a victim/survivor can positively or negatively impact their healing process.
In studies of sexual assault survivors, receiving social support has been associated with many positive outcomes, including positive life change and growth as well as reduced PTSD and depressive symptoms.
Once again, we condemn every act of rape and sexual violence against women out there. What happened to Uwa is a grave injustice that we must put an end to.
Should you need assistance, organisations like the @MirabelCentreNG and the @DSVRT are available to support
Thank you.
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The BBL procedure starts with liposuction of a different area, often the abdomen, flanks, thighs or back.
The fat removed from these areas is then injected into the hips and buttocks to improve shape and projection. #AvonsPracticalTips#HealthyLiving
2. BBL can be dangerous
The keyword is 'can'.
Although it is generally safe, there is a risk of fat getting into major blood vessels and clogging them when being injected. #AvonsPracticalTips#HealthyLiving
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Also, it's counterproductive to help someone by shaming them? Naturally, people would do everything possible to avoid death. We won't say suicide is brave but overcoming the fear of death isn't cowardly. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay#AvonsPracticalTips
According to Ashkan Afshin, lead author of a 27-year global diet analysis recently published in the Lancet, this issue is not just about unhealthy food options; but a lack of healthy foods in our diets and high levels of salt. #Thread#AvonsPracticalTips#HealthyLiving
This can make you hear voices and see things that aren't there or believe things that aren't real. At first, you just might not be as social as normal. As it gets worse, it can be tough to keep your thoughts on track, making it hard to even talk to people.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
This condition (OCD) makes you feel anxious and have thoughts and urges you just can't stop. For example, you might wash your hands over and over again. You might doubt yourself a lot and take a long time to finish simple tasks.
Sex may add more than just pleasure to your life. It may also help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Research shows that reduced sexual activity is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
Good oral hygiene does more than keep your teeth white and glistening. Some research suggests that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also raise your risk of heart disease. #AvonsPracticalTips#HealthyLiving