Gang / group rape

Gang / group rape is when an individual is raped by two or more persons. It has a high occurrence among teenagers and is usual motivated by adolescent boys with a strong sex drive.rnAs with most rapes, they are not reported due to trauma and shame. However gang rapes are normally more physically abusive and as a result the victims are more likely to seek medical assistance than other forms of rape. Group / gang rape victims suffer similar issues as regular rape victims: * Shamern * Depressionrn * Guiltrn * Denialrn * Antisocial behavior - Cutting them off from people and their support systemrn* Suicidal thoughtsrn* Problems maintaining healthy relationships What victims can do to overcome their plight : * Report the assault as soon as possible - There is more likelihood of collecting DNA evidence due to having two or more perpetrators. * Talk to a counsellor / relationship advisorrn* Get a pet; this will assist with building or rebuilding the ability to love. * Find a hobby to help take your mind off the traumatic situationrn* Move to another neighborhood, town or statern* Publicize - Talking about the occurrence usually strengthens victims as they are able to get everything out in the open and it educates others. This could lessen the likelihood of an assault occurring to another person. Case example: All individuals and events are fictional and used only for illustrative purposes Bridget, a 14 year older teenager was in her first serious romantic relationship when she was raped by her then 16 years old boyfriend and his friends.rnBridget met Mark on a popular social network site. The relationship blossomed quickly as they talked online everyday; when they were not online they constantly texted each other. Due to the constant communication, Bridget felt comfortable with Mark despite not knowing anything else but what he posted online. So, when he invited her over one day after school, she had no second thoughts.rnWhen Bridget arrived at Mark’s house things started to take a turn for the worst.rnMark made advances towards her and encouraged her to make love to him which she consented to. Mark then invited other males into the room, none of them she knew. She tried to resist but they overpowered her and seven of them gang raped her.rnAfter the incident ,Bridget sought help immediately by having a chat with a relationship counselor who in turn called the police. The police administer a rape kit and notified Bridget and Mark’s parents.Mark and all his friends were arrested and eventually convicted, due to impact of the forensic evidence collected. The rape traumatized Bridget and her grades started to fall off. She initially thought about moving to another school and neighborhood, but this was not practical as it was too costly.rnBridget continued to get relationship advice by talking with a counselor regularly. The counseling made Bridget decide to deal with problem head on. First , she talked about it openly with anyone who would listen. Next, she created a video about her ordeal and posted it Youtube and Facebook with her mother’s consent. Talking openly, allowed Bridget to get over the shame she felt about the incident. She also got a dog and this allowed her to overcome the hatred she had built up of for boys and also made her start to love herself again. Bridget still chats with a relationship advisor online as she still struggles with issues such as not wanting to have children. She also shares her advice with people in person and via social media, all with the consent of her mother and counselor. rnSexual Abuse is harder to deal with in secrecy. Talk to someone. It will help you. It is preferred that you seek a professional therapist, a loved one or a trusted friend. If the person you choose is not helpful speak to someone else.