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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

Dr Sheila Aronstam receives UFS Alumnus of the Year award
2014-10-23



Dr Sheila Aronstam, recipient of the Kovsie of the Year award and Pieter du Toit, Chairperson of the Kovsie Alumni association.
Photo: Dries Myburgh
The Office for Institutional Advancement at the University of the Free State honoured ten people at this year’s Kovsie Alumni dinner.

Dr Sheila Aronstam received the Kovsie Alumnus of the Year award. Dr Aronstam previously served for eight years on the management of the UFS, where she played a prominent part in the transformation of the UFS. In 2004, with the centenary celebrations of the University of the Free State, Dr Aronstam received a centenary medal for her contribution towards transformation.

She also served on the Council and the Executive of the University of the Free State for period of five years.

In 2014, after a lifelong commitment to Bloemfontein and the University of the Free State, Kovsie Alumni honoured Dr Aronstam as Alumnus of the Year. “Her legacy of equality, tolerance and charity will live forever within the borders of the University of the Free State and the City of Bloemfontein,” said Pieter du Toit, Chairperson of the Kovsie Alumni association.

At this event, Cum Laude awards were bestowed on:

-       Chris Botha, Group Managing Director of Media Shop
-       Pauline Gutter, Free State-based artist
-       Tate Makgoe, MEC for Education in the Free State
-       Jans Rautenbach, South African screenwriter, film producer and director
-       Johan Volsteedt, former principal of Grey College and involved with the television series Dream School SA.

The Ambassador Award was presented to:

-       Odeion String Quartet at the UFS
-       Sibusiso Tshabalala, programme coordinator of the World Design Capital promotion project.

Executive Management Awards were bestowed on:

-       Prof Johan Nel (Emeritus Assosiate Professor UFS )
-       DB Prinsloo, Director of KovsieSport at the UFS.

Kovsie Alumni also bestowed honorary president awards on Prof Nico du Plessis and Adv Mauritz Randlehoff.
 

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