Students, faculty of Pranab College with resource persons at the talk on sexual violence and mental health on October 25.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 27 (MExN): In response to the rising incidence of sexual violence and its associated mental health issues, the Women Empowerment Cell of Pranab College organized “A Talk on Sexual Violence and Mental Health” on October 25.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the often-overlooked mental health impacts on victims of sexual violence, emphasizing the need for parallel mitigation efforts. Participants were provided with a safe space to discuss these sensitive topics, a press release stated.
Dr Tiamenla Phom, ADCP of Women and Juvenile in Dimapur, served as a resource person for the session. She educated students on identifying sexual violence and provided clarity on its various forms. Dr. Phom also addressed the dangers of technology in facilitating such violence, stressing that both young men and women are at risk. She highlighted relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to sexual violence and discussed the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Encouraging students to be proactive, she urged them to approach law enforcement in the event of an incident.
Mughatoli Zhimomi, a psychiatric nurse with the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) at Dimapur District Hospital, spoke about the mental health challenges faced by victims. She outlined common symptoms experienced by survivors and emphasized the importance of seeking professional help and reporting crimes. Zhimomi highlighted the crucial role of family and friends in providing support, encouraging a positive attitude to help victims overcome their fears and share their experiences. She also advised students on practicing self-care techniques.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where Dr. Temsuyanger, a psychiatrist at Dimapur District Hospital, joined the panel to address students' questions and concerns.
