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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

Winner of 2011 SA Traders Trophy competition competes globally
2012-05-11

 

Dr Johan Coetzee and Melinda Jonker
Photo: Supplied
11 May 2012

Melinda Jonker, a B.Com. Investment Management and Banking graduate of the Department of Economics, participated in the Global Traders Trophy final in the Netherlands this week.

She won the South African Traders Trophy competition in 2011 and received R100 000 in cash. She also got the opportunity to compeat the NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam against 19 national winners from around the world.
 
Her lecturer, Dr Johan Coetzee, said her participation in Amsterdam and representing South Africa was a remarkable feat. She competed against the cream of the crop from all the major South African universities’ postgraduate students in the national competition as an undergraduate. Melinda is now employed by Nedbank Capital in Sandton.

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