COUNSELING VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Introduction
Is sexual violence a special kind of violence?
In some respects, we can see sexual violence as a bit unique. To start with, women are
disproportionately affected by sexual violence although in theory it can happen to either sex. Therefore,
women are understandably more concerned with sexual violence than men.
By its nature, sexual violence corrupts sex. In other words, an activity that would otherwise express
love between two individuals becomes an act of violence from one to another.
Humans are naturally intrigued by sex therefore issues to do with sexual violence tend to draw more
attention than other forms of assault.
What is Sexual Violence?
We can look at sexual violence as a broad concept that brings together several acts that have the ability
to violate a person's trust and feeling of safety.
It takes place whenever an individual is forced, coerced, or manipulated into any unwanted sexual
activity.
Acts that constitutes sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual abuse, ritual abuse, sexual
exploitation, unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism.
Sexual violence can be classified depending on the degree of intrusion;
o Sexual violence without physical contact: indecent exposure, comments of sexual nature, voyeurism,
exposure to pornographic material.
o Sexual violence with minimal physical contact: unwanted touching e.g. hugging or kissing someone
against their will and touching a person’s sexual parts over their clothing
o Sexual violence with maximum physical contact: attempted rape, rape, anal penetration or penetration
with an object
Note that any form of sexual harassment has the potential to traumatize the victim even where the
victim is not actually raped.
The degree of trauma experienced is determined by many factors such as identity of the perpetrator,
how frightened and powerless the victim felt, available coping resources, the victim’s personality etc.
There are various recognized forms of rape.
o Stranger rape is where the perpetrator is unknown to the victim. Often the victim is taken from a
public place against their will, carjacked or attacked during a robbery. Weapons or threats of
violence are commonly used.
, o Acquaintance rape is committed by someone known to the victim e.g. a neighbor or coworker.
o Marital or partner rape occurs when the perpetrator is a husband, wife or lover. Sexual assault may
be used to control, humiliate, or “punish” the other person.
o Statutory rape is sexual activity with a child who is according to the law below the age of consent (in
Kenya below 18 years old).
Child sexual abuse is attempted or actual sexual contact with a child. It can entail use of physical force,
threats of violence, bribes, or abuse of authority. Children are often groomed for sexual abuse.
Grooming is a process in which the perpetrator identifies a child he or she wants to abuse and uses
tactics to foster a relationship with the child. These include building trust, giving favors or gifts,
alienating others, demanding secrecy and violating boundaries.
Unfortunately, most sexual violence is committed by individuals known to the victims e.g. family
members, neighbors and close associates.
Effects of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is traumatizing to the victim.
Reactions to sexual assault are very similar to reactions to other forms of trauma.
Individuals respond to the trauma of sexual assault differently depending on their experience, age,
personality, previous traumatic events they may have suffered, and what kinds of support and resources
they have had to cope with the event.
Even so, there are a number of common reactions that victims of sexual violence tend to show although
not everyone will experience all the symptoms.
Some symptoms are immediate while others manifest over time.
Common Reactions in Adults
o Physical: Body aches, nausea, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, pain resulting from
injuries during the assault, sexually transmitted infections, sexual dysfunctions, and pregnancy.
o Cognitive: Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, negative thoughts of self, negative thoughts
of the world, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts.
o Emotional: Sadness, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, denial, self-blame, feeling dirty, anger, and
numbness.
o Behavioral: Outbursts of anger or rage, difficulty controlling emotions, alcohol or drug abuse, self-
injurious behaviors (e.g. cutting or burning), suicide attempts, avoidance of people, places, or things
that reminds them of the trauma.
o Relational: Difficulties with trust and intimacy, changes in relationships with family, friends,
intimate partner, and children. This can be seen by an increased avoidance of social activities and
Introduction
Is sexual violence a special kind of violence?
In some respects, we can see sexual violence as a bit unique. To start with, women are
disproportionately affected by sexual violence although in theory it can happen to either sex. Therefore,
women are understandably more concerned with sexual violence than men.
By its nature, sexual violence corrupts sex. In other words, an activity that would otherwise express
love between two individuals becomes an act of violence from one to another.
Humans are naturally intrigued by sex therefore issues to do with sexual violence tend to draw more
attention than other forms of assault.
What is Sexual Violence?
We can look at sexual violence as a broad concept that brings together several acts that have the ability
to violate a person's trust and feeling of safety.
It takes place whenever an individual is forced, coerced, or manipulated into any unwanted sexual
activity.
Acts that constitutes sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual abuse, ritual abuse, sexual
exploitation, unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism.
Sexual violence can be classified depending on the degree of intrusion;
o Sexual violence without physical contact: indecent exposure, comments of sexual nature, voyeurism,
exposure to pornographic material.
o Sexual violence with minimal physical contact: unwanted touching e.g. hugging or kissing someone
against their will and touching a person’s sexual parts over their clothing
o Sexual violence with maximum physical contact: attempted rape, rape, anal penetration or penetration
with an object
Note that any form of sexual harassment has the potential to traumatize the victim even where the
victim is not actually raped.
The degree of trauma experienced is determined by many factors such as identity of the perpetrator,
how frightened and powerless the victim felt, available coping resources, the victim’s personality etc.
There are various recognized forms of rape.
o Stranger rape is where the perpetrator is unknown to the victim. Often the victim is taken from a
public place against their will, carjacked or attacked during a robbery. Weapons or threats of
violence are commonly used.
, o Acquaintance rape is committed by someone known to the victim e.g. a neighbor or coworker.
o Marital or partner rape occurs when the perpetrator is a husband, wife or lover. Sexual assault may
be used to control, humiliate, or “punish” the other person.
o Statutory rape is sexual activity with a child who is according to the law below the age of consent (in
Kenya below 18 years old).
Child sexual abuse is attempted or actual sexual contact with a child. It can entail use of physical force,
threats of violence, bribes, or abuse of authority. Children are often groomed for sexual abuse.
Grooming is a process in which the perpetrator identifies a child he or she wants to abuse and uses
tactics to foster a relationship with the child. These include building trust, giving favors or gifts,
alienating others, demanding secrecy and violating boundaries.
Unfortunately, most sexual violence is committed by individuals known to the victims e.g. family
members, neighbors and close associates.
Effects of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is traumatizing to the victim.
Reactions to sexual assault are very similar to reactions to other forms of trauma.
Individuals respond to the trauma of sexual assault differently depending on their experience, age,
personality, previous traumatic events they may have suffered, and what kinds of support and resources
they have had to cope with the event.
Even so, there are a number of common reactions that victims of sexual violence tend to show although
not everyone will experience all the symptoms.
Some symptoms are immediate while others manifest over time.
Common Reactions in Adults
o Physical: Body aches, nausea, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, pain resulting from
injuries during the assault, sexually transmitted infections, sexual dysfunctions, and pregnancy.
o Cognitive: Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, negative thoughts of self, negative thoughts
of the world, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts.
o Emotional: Sadness, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, denial, self-blame, feeling dirty, anger, and
numbness.
o Behavioral: Outbursts of anger or rage, difficulty controlling emotions, alcohol or drug abuse, self-
injurious behaviors (e.g. cutting or burning), suicide attempts, avoidance of people, places, or things
that reminds them of the trauma.
o Relational: Difficulties with trust and intimacy, changes in relationships with family, friends,
intimate partner, and children. This can be seen by an increased avoidance of social activities and
