Gang-raped

By Dr Wendel Abel

Only 16 years old ... a promising grade 11 student ... about to sit exams. She was ganged-raped by boys from prominent, uptown families. This could be your child, sister or friend. This story is about rape, trauma and how one girl and her family deal with it. This is the story depicted in Basil Dawkins' current play, Where is my father? The play highlights the pain, struggles and humiliation that women who are raped suffer.


Silence and shame

I am certain that Mr Dawkins has been challenged for writing this play. I, however, commend him for dealing with these issues. People who don't want to deal with painful and unpleasant issues would prefer that this story not be told, but the reality is that rape is a violent act that results in physical and psychological violation of the individual.

Secrecy and silence is how we tend to deal with these issues. Society often discredits the victim, makes her invisible and silences her through fear and shame. This play gives a voice to women who have been raped. It forces us to deal with the issues. We need to end the cycle of shame, secrecy and stigma.

Reliving the trauma

People who are raped constantly relive the experience. They have flashbacks, dreams and nightmares of the trauma. The emotional responses to rape are complex, painful and deep. The survivor is left with a feeling of violation and a sense of betrayal. The individual may be overcome with anger, hostility and sometimes hatred. Feelings of rage and murderous-revenge fantasies are normal responses.

Many women detach themselves from this painful experience by 'leaving their body' or becoming numb when the pain is intense. The young girl in the play is portrayed as angry, loud, aggressive. She becomes 'jumpy' and is constantly looking out for danger as she deals with her tormented memories and fears. These are symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder which many women develop after rape.

A sense of abandonment

People who experience trauma such as rape often feel alone and abandoned. They feel abandoned by God, family and friends. They are often driven to a sense of hopelessness. In the play, the mother of the girl is far removed from the painful experience and does not rally to her daughter's aid. Instead, she attempts to force her daughter into a relationship with a criminal because he provides financial support for the family. Forcing her daughter into another sexual relationship is an act of revictimisation. Many persons close to victims do this over and over again.

Depression and suicide

Many survivors of trauma naturally become depressed. This is manifested by high levels of irritability and anger. Additionally, in the play, the victim neglects her baby which may occur in women who are depressed after childbirth. Later in the play, we see the young girl attempting suicide. Self-harming behaviours such as attempted suicide, cutting and medication overdose are ways that some people cry for attention and deal with pain.

Abortion, guilt and shame

The play also deals with a secretary who was raped and did an abortion. She is now a grown woman, childless and alone. She came to the rescue of this young girl as she, too, deals with her own psychological issues.

The need for therapy

Persons who have been raped need therapy. Unfortunately, many persons are either too ashamed or too poor to seek therapy. Like the family in the play, they suffer silently.

Go see the play

Rape not only violates women, it also dishonours them. Emotionally compelling, this play is a major step in building consciousness and awareness. It allows persons affected by rape an opportunity to name and process their experience. It allows the society to break the silence and to discuss a painful and difficult subject. I strongly recommend this play to teachers, counsellors, therapists, students and persons who work with young people. Send your feedback after watching it. You may blog or write to us.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.