Recognition and Management of Sexual Violence in Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics

Year 2024, Volume: 16 Issue: 4, 683 - 690, 25.12.2024

Behice Han Almiş , Şeyma Sehlikoğlu

https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1415763

Abstract

Sexual violence is defined as the act of forcing an individual to engage in sexual intercourse or perform sexual acts without their consent, whether by a partner or someone else. Victims often face considerable barriers to reporting these incidents, frequently due to prevalent myths surrounding sexual violence. Consequently, many victims end up seeking help in psychiatry outpatient clinics, where they encounter healthcare professionals. It is crucial for these settings to integrate routine inquiries about sexual violence into their protocols, ensuring that all patients are assessed in a consistent and sensitive manner. The primary goal of this review article is to underline the critical need for psychiatry outpatient clinics to acknowledge and address sexual violence effectively. This involves establishing clear guidelines for mental health professionals on how to routinely question patients about sexual violence, which will help in identifying those at risk more effectively. Furthermore, the review seeks to highlight the importance of identifying and addressing the psychological risk factors that may predispose individuals to become perpetrators of sexual violence. Understanding these factors can lead to better preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions tailored to the needs of this specific group. Additionally, the necessity of providing victims with immediate psychological support, known as psychological first aid, following an incident. is emphasized, This form of early intervention is vital for reducing the impact of trauma and assisting in the recovery process. By focusing on these key areas, the article aims to enhance the overall response to sexual violence within psychiatric settings, ensuring that victims receive the comprehensive support and care they need.

Keywords

Sexual Violence, Sexual Abuse, Mental disorder, Perpetrator

Psikiyatri Polikliniklerinde Cinsel Şiddetin Tanınması ve Yönetilmesi

Abstract

ÖZ Cinsel şiddet, bir kişinin partneri veya bir başkası tarafından rızası olmaksızın cinsel ilişkiye girmeye veya cinsel eylemlerde bulunmaya zorlanması olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Mağdurlar, çoğunlukla cinsel şiddeti çevreleyen yaygın mitler nedeniyle, bu olayları bildirme konusunda önemli engellerle karşılaşmaktadır. Dolayısıyla pek çok mağdur, sağlık çalışanlarıyla karşılaştıkları psikiyatri polikliniklerinde yardım arayışına girmektedir. Bu ortamların, cinsel şiddetle ilgili rutin sorgulamaları protokollerine dahil etmeleri ve tüm hastaların tutarlı ve hassas bir şekilde değerlendirilmesini sağlamaları çok önemlidir. Bu gözden geçirme makalesinin temel amacı, psikiyatri polikliniklerinin cinsel şiddeti etkili bir şekilde kabul etmesi ve ele almasının kritik bir ihtiyaç olduğunun altını çizmektir. Bu, ruh sağlığı uzmanları için hastaları cinsel şiddet konusunda rutin olarak nasıl sorgulayacaklarına dair net kılavuzlar oluşturmayı içerir; böylelikle risk altındaki kişilerin daha etkili bir şekilde tespit edilmesine yardımcı olunacaktır. İnceleme ayrıca, bireyleri cinsel şiddet faili olmaya yatkın hale getirebilecek psikolojik risk faktörlerinin belirlenmesinin ve ele alınmasının önemini vurgulamayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu faktörlerin anlaşılması, bu özel grubun ihtiyaçlarına göre uyarlanmış daha iyi önleyici stratejilere ve terapötik müdahalelere yol açabilir. Ayrıca, bir olayın ardından mağdurlara psikolojik ilk yardım olarak bilinen acil psikolojik destek sağlanmasının gerekliliği vurgulanmıştır. Bu erken müdahale biçimi, travmanın etkisini azaltmak ve iyileşme sürecine yardımcı olmak için hayati önem taşımaktadır. Makale, bu önemli alanlara odaklanarak, psikiyatrik ortamlarda cinsel şiddete yönelik genel müdahaleyi geliştirmeyi ve mağdurların ihtiyaç duydukları kapsamlı destek ve bakımı almalarını sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır.

Keywords

Cinsel şiddet, fail, mağdur, cinsel istismar, ruhsal bozukluk

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