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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

UFS postpones examinations to Monday 2 November 2015
2015-10-23

The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) decided today, in line with other universities in the country, to postpone the main examination to Monday 2 November 2015 and the additional examination to 23 November 2015.

The decision comes after students across the country took part in a protest action against the increase of fees in 2016. Students from the UFS participated in the protest from Tuesday 20 October 2015.

Moving the examination by one week will afford all students the opportunity to prepare for their examination and to take the additional assessment opportunities they missed during this past week to make up their predicate mark.

The exam timetable sequence/order remains exactly the same as scheduled and the changed examination timetables have been published on the UFS website; Official Timetables. Students are requested to note the exemptions to the postponement. These exceptions are also published on the UFS website.

Academic and administrative activities will resume on all three campuses of the UFS on Monday 26 October 2015.

New dates and FAQS

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
news@ufs.ac.za
+27(0)51 401 3422
+27(0)83 645 2454

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