As strange as it sounds, rape can also occur between married partners and between same sexes. The culprit can be relatives, a person with close contact with the victim, or complete strangers. Though males are also victimized, females are the major victims, accumulating to a total of 90% of the cases.

Rape is a crime. Rapists can be classified as sadists who are aroused by the pain of their victims, and sexual predators that use objects for gratification. It is a conscious act by those who are obsessed by sexual fantasies and those who use sexual coercion to displace anger. Strong sexual desire, substance abuse disorder, personality disorder, and deregulation are some of the other factors inducing rape.

Researches show that those who commit rape don’t show any guilt or remorse, but victims experience both short and long-term psychological distress after rape. Sleep disorders, dissociative symptoms are observed as the acute reaction following rape. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, somatization disorder and sexual disorder are some of the other consequences of rape.

Victims of rape with severe symptomatology need to be hospitalized. Suicidal tendencies, dissociative or psychotic symptoms, self-destructive behaviors and continued serious threats to the victim’s health are factors that indicate the need for hospitalization. 

Nonpharmacological treatment involves trauma-focused psychotherapy.

In Nepal, seven percentages of women aged between 15 and 49 years have had at least one experience of sexual violence, states the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016.  Awareness regarding sexual violence, sexual education, and social participation are some of the factors that can reduce the number of rapes.  Also, stigmatization of feminine problems should be discouraged. Counseling and psychosocial care can alleviate the pain and suffering of victims. 

Dr Sushil Samadarshi is a resident doctor (3rd year) at the Department of Psychiatry, KMCTH.