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2.3.4 Sexual violence or rape as specific stressors and sources of trauma
Sexual violence is a specific form of trauma because it is an extremely invasive offence that gives rise to feelings of shame , self-blame , guilt and often powerlessness or helplessness . When it is combined with fear of being injured or killed , it is traumatic in almost all cases . Being exposed to sexual violence , and surviving rape , often triggers serious trauma reactions , and many people who are raped develop a disorder within the trauma spectrum . It is estimated that people who experience or survive such events are more likely to develop PTSD than people who are exposed
29 30 31 to other forms of trauma .
KEY TO KNOW
Afterwards they are also likely to face other negative consequences . In many instances , they may be held responsible for the rape or violence by their entourage , immediate family , or friends . Sexual assaults cause a greater degree of social exclusion than other trauma events . In addition , survivors may fear infection by sexually transmitted diseases , such as HIV / AIDS . Men who seek help after being raped will often try to trivialise or hide their injuries .
Rape of men is still taboo and is rarely discussed by either heterosexual or gay men . 32 33 Though the issue has been recognised more in recent times , it remains relatively unreported and in societies that still have a distinctly masculine orientation it requires great courage to admit to being a survivor of rape . Men are afraid of being seen as feminine and weak , or as gay or bisexual . Rape of men by women has rarely been investigated . 34 Men who have been raped by a woman often face social , political , or legal prejudice .
LGBTQI + people exposed to rape or sexual humiliation confront the same mental and physical effects that are described above , plus additional social , political , or even legal challenges . Their situation may be worsened by the fact that LGBTQI + people are frequently traumatised already , for instance because they have been harassed or excluded by their families , or physically attacked because of their gender identity or sexual orientation . Former experiences often increase vulnerability , making it more likely that new trauma events will trigger mental disorders .
2.3.5 Torture and inhuman treatment
The most elaborate and most common definition of torture is provided by Article 1 of the UN Convention against Torture . 35 This states that torture has four basic elements : ( 1 ) It inflicts severe physical or mental pain or suffering ; ( 2 ) the act is intentional ; ( 3 ) it has a purpose ( to obtain information , obtain a confession , punish , threaten , or discriminate ); and ( 4 ) it is carried out by , or with the consent or permission of , a public official or person acting on his behalf . The definition means that forms of abuse that the authorities know about , but fail to prevent , prosecute , or compensate , may violate the Convention . 36 States have an obligation to prevent torture and other inhumane and cruel treatment or punishment even when the abuses in question are committed by private persons .
It is difficult to know how much torture occurs . The information is politically sensitive , and most perpetrators try to hide or deny its occurrence . It is also well-known that survivors of torture often do not come forward with their story , because they are afraid of reprisals , are ashamed by what happened to them , or wish to avoid reminders of their experience . Estimates of torture probably under-estimate its incidence . 37
Discussions of torture based on the definition in the Torture Convention have traditionally focused on torture by state authorities of political opponents . Less attention has been given to torture of other groups , including ordinary prisoners , patients , persons in care , and women ; in such cases the torture is often carried out by persons whose affiliation with the authorities is less explicit .