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KEY TO KNOW
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on
• Why is it so important that the interpreter has a neutral position in the room and sticks closely to the rules ?
• How can one deal with situations where the interpreter may be affected by the difficult content in the conversation ?
• Situations may occur where survivor and interpreter meet in other settings – what would be good advice to the interpreter in such situations ?
2.7.6 Respect , personal space and touch
Most people like to keep those they interact with at a certain distance ; they do not like their personal space to be invaded . The distances that are comfortable vary from person to person ; a person is comfortable being closer to some people ( his child , his partner , friends ) than others ( strangers , people he dislikes ). People perceive touch differently too . For some , touch is a sign of care , while for others it is felt to be unwanted , or sexual . What is considered respectful behaviour varies across the world . In some circles , people value discussion and sharing their thoughts in words , while in others they are expected to obey authorities ( heads of household , officials , religious leaders ) without questioning their statements . In cultures where it is important to show respect to and obey the elderly , some groups in the population ( such as children ) may be at higher risk of abuse because they are raised to do as adults say .
The international diagnostic manuals ( ICD-10 , DMS-V ) discuss so-called “ culture-specific disorders ” or “ culture bound syndromes ”. They list many syndromes that are specific to certain societies or cultural areas and emphasise that societies and cultures differ in their interpretation of similar forms of trauma and responses . 52
The Diagnostic Manual DSM-V discusses five elements of cultural formation : the individual ’ s cultural identity ; cultural explanations for individual diseases ; the influence of the patient ’ s psychosocial environment and function in it ; cultural elements in the patient ’ s professional conditions ; and use of cultural judgments to determine diagnosis and care .
It is important to keep in mind that people may believe that mental illness is due to a weak character . They may not acknowledge that it can be caused by trauma . Mental illness may be considered shameful and can lead to social exclusion .
Because different cultural backgrounds may require different approaches , it is vital to adopt a sensitive approach to survivors of severe trauma , including male survivors of sexual violence . At the same time , do not draw conclusions on the basis of culture alone : be open but be sensitive to meanings and values . This is especially important for boys and men who originate from countries in which strong taboos and stigma surround sexual abuse and sexual violence .
2.7.7 Attitudes and norms related to abuse - masculinity
Being sexually abused is a serious burden regardless of gender . However , the survivor ’ s perceptions of masculinity ( what it means to be a man ), and his society ’ s perceptions of masculinity , can influence and increase the difficulties of men who have survived abuse . 53 Cultural perceptions of masculinity vary in different societies , and are constantly changing . It is common to associate masculinity with being strong , independent , and able to protect oneself and others . Men are often expected not to show emotions such as fear , grief , sadness , or shame . In most cultures , masculinity is also associated with being heterosexual .