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14 June 2018 Photo iStock
Dealing with the trauma of sexual assault
University life is supposed to be one of the most enjoyable times of a person’s life. Unfortunately, for some this is the time they may fall victims to sexual assault.
 
The term sexual assault has shockingly become normalised in society and has become a common threat to university students. The University of the Free State (UFS) through its sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence policy strongly condemns any form of sexual abuse. Dr Melissa Barnaschone, Director at Student Counselling and Development (UFS) says the university cares for the health and wellbeing of students and provides necessary support for victims of sexual assault and trauma.
 
It is unfortunate that sexual assault comes with many misconceptions that often shift responsibility and blame from the perpetrator to the victim. “It is important to always remember that it is not your fault; do not blame yourself,” says Dr Barnaschone. Helpguide.Org: Trusted guide to mental & emotional health says sexual assault leaves psychological wounds and sometimes long-lasting health challenges. Such trauma can severely affect a person’s ability to cope with daily academic, social, professional, and personal responsibilities.
 
Any sexual violence is a crime and as a victim, you are not to blame. Healing is achieved when you start to believe that you are not responsible for what happened to you. Visit Helpguide.Org for more information on post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma recovery tips and other related topics.

On this video clip, Dr Barnaschone shares some guidelines to deal with sexual assault and trauma: 

News Archive

Political scientist address Maritime Security Africa 2009 Conference
2009-10-29

 
Prof. Theo Neethling from the Department of Political Science was recently invited to address the Maritime Security Africa 2009 Conference on the issues of piracy on the eastern coast of Africa held in Cape Town on 13 and 14 October 2009. The event brought together maritime professionals, naval personnel and academics from all over the international community.

Prof. Neethling’s paper was entitled Piracy on the eastern coast of Africa: A Political Science perspective. His paper examined the fact that growing activities of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa have increasingly threatened maritime security on the eastern coast of Africa. Prof. Neethling pointed out that, considering the fact that a very high volume of the world’s global trade moves by water, piracy is corrosive to political and social development in Africa and further afield. To this end, he explored several maritime endeavours that were launched in recent times by relevant governmental, intergovernmental and nongovernmental role players in the context of global governance. Prof. Neethling argued that piracy should be tackled in a way that combines naval action against the pirates at sea with measures to restore law and order, political processes and economic activity in Somalia. Generally, piracy often occurs when there is poverty and a weak or non-existent government. After all, insecurity on land eventually causes maritime insecurity – as is clear from the case of Somalia.
Photo: Supplied

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