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Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can have a long-lasting impact on the victim. When the perpetrator is a family member, the trauma can be even more devastating. It's common for relatives to brush it off or pretend like nothing happened, leaving the victim alone to deal with the trauma. In this blog, I will discuss the impact of sexual abuse by relatives and how the victims are left to move on.

Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting scars on the victim's mental and physical health. Victims often feel ashamed, guilty, and powerless. They may struggle with trust issues, intimacy, and have difficulty forming healthy relationships. When the perpetrator is a relative, the trauma can be compounded by feelings of betrayal and abandonment.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for relatives to ignore or downplay the abuse. Some may even blame the victim or try to sweep it under the rug. This can leave the victim feeling isolated and without any support. In some cases, the perpetrator may even continue to have a relationship with the family and go on with their life as if nothing happened. It can be difficult for the victim to move on and live a normal life when their abuser is still present in their life.

For many victims, the trauma of sexual abuse by a relative is a lifelong struggle. It's not something that can be easily forgotten or ignored. It takes time and effort to heal from the trauma and move on. This healing process can be even more difficult when there is no support or acknowledgement from the family.

It's important for relatives to take sexual abuse seriously and provide support to the victim. This can include seeking professional help, reporting the abuse to the authorities, and making sure the victim feels heard and supported. By taking action and providing support, relatives can help victims on their journey to healing and moving on.

In conclusion, sexual abuse by relatives is a devastating crime that can have a long-lasting impact on the victim. The trauma of the abuse can be compounded by the lack of support from family members. It's important for relatives to take sexual abuse seriously and provide support to the victim. Only then can we hope to help victims heal and move on from the trauma they've experienced.

There are several ways in which Aalekh Foundation can support victims of sexual abuse, including those who have been abused by their relatives. Here are some ways in which the organisation can help:

• Providing legal support: Aalekh Foundation can help victims of sexual abuse by providing them with legal support. This may include connecting them with a lawyer who specialises in cases of sexual abuse or helping them understand their legal rights and options.
• Offering counselling and support services: Victims of sexual abuse often require emotional support and counselling to help them heal from the trauma. Aalekh Foundation can provide such support by offering counselling services or connecting them with mental health professionals who can help them cope with the trauma.
• Raising awareness: Aalekh Foundation can help raise awareness about sexual abuse and its impact on victims, including those who have been abused by their relatives. This can help reduce the stigma surrounding sexual abuse and encourage victims to come forward and seek help.
• Advocating for policy changes: Aalekh Foundation can also advocate for policy changes to better protect victims of sexual abuse, including those who have been abused by their relatives. This may include lobbying for stronger laws and regulations, or working with government agencies to improve the response to cases of sexual abuse.
• Building a support network: Aalekh Foundation can help build a support network for victims of sexual abuse, including those who have been abused by their relatives. This can include connecting them with other survivors of sexual abuse or providing them with resources to help them cope with the trauma.

Overall, Aalekh Foundation can play an important role in supporting victims of sexual abuse, including those who have been abused by their relatives. By providing legal support, counselling services, raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and building a support network, the organisation can help victims on their journey to healing and recovery

Dr. Rennie Joyy 
Chairman & MD 
Aalekh Foundation