The young woman walked along the 9th street in Zone 1, a few meters from the Congress of the Republic, when a man identified as Julio Emanuel “G”, 22, intercepted her and threw her against a blind.
The first hypothesis about this aggression, which was recorded on video and was disseminated on social networks, indicated that it was an assault. However, witnesses reported that the fact seemed rather an attempt to kidnapping, since, apparently, the aggressor descended from a vehicle that parked near the recording place.
It was not possible to consign the subject, since stolen objects were not located and the victim did not file any complaint.
However, the young woman, only 15 years old, must now continue with her life with a cluster of emotions that could affect her mental health.
Hours later, a armed incident that occurred in the vicinity of an educational center Located en route to San Pedro Ayampuc. The attack left An deceased 18 -year -old and two 16 -year -old students wounded. The authorities They confirmed that the deceased was a student of the educational center.
Adolescents who face violent aggressions or acts require specialized psychological accompaniment to overcome emotional impact and avoid long -term sequelae.
Given this type of cases, it is essential to understand how the emotional and psychological support that victims receive, especially in a stage as vulnerable as adolescence.
The impact of trauma on adolescence
Lucía Monroy, a psychologist specialized in sexual abuse and violence, explains that post -traumatic stress is a common response after a traumatic event, such as an aggression or assault. “It is a fact that is of high impact for the person, whether child, adolescent or adult, for being surprising and unexpected. This makes it a traumatic event that causes stress after the event, ”he says.
In the case of adolescents, symptoms may vary, but usually include sleep disorders, nightmares, recurring memories, difficulty handling emotions such as fear, anger or sadness, and alterations in feeding cycles. “They can also present hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts and, in more severe cases, dissociation or emotional disconnection,” Monroy adds.
Angie Mendoza, clinical psychologist, agrees that adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their development stage. “They are at a time of construction of their identity, so any traumatic event can have a significant impact on their emotionality. They can experience anxiety, fear, regression to children’s behaviors and even feelings of guilt, ”he explains.
Psychological first aid and the support network as a fundamental pillar
Mendoza points out that, after a traumatic event, it is essential to provide what is known as psychological first aid, which can be applied by any person close to the victim. “The first thing is to validate their emotions and allow it to be expressed without being judged. You should not say ‘do not cry’ or ‘shut up’, but to accompany it in the process of assimilating what happened ”indicates.
Both Monroy and Mendoza agree that the nearby support network – family, friends and loved ones – plays an essential role in the victim’s recovery.
“The support network is the largest support mechanism with which a victim can count. It must be close, reliable and safe “Monroy points out.
Mendoza adds that this support should not only be emotional, but also practical, helping the victim to resume their daily activities gradually and safely. In addition, it recommends promoting self -care, since post -traumatic stress can alter basic habits such as sleep and food.
Both psychologists warn that lack of psychological attention can aggravate the victim’s emotional state. “Without tools to handle trauma, the person could develop disorders such as depression, anxiety or chronic posttraumatic stress. This would affect their academic, social and family performance “explains Monroy.
Mendoza adds that, in severe cases, the victim could develop avoidance behaviors, such as refusing to leave home or perform activities he enjoyed before. “This limits its personal and social development, and can lead to progressive isolation”indicates.
In addition, Mendoza recommends avoiding judgments or questions that blame the victim, such as “Why were you going on that street?” either “Why didn’t you defend yourself?”. Instead, he suggests actively listening and providing a safety and understanding environment.
How to resume normal activities
One of the biggest challenges for victims is to return to their daily routines, especially if the attack occurred in a public place that frequently transit.
Mendoza suggests that the victim resumes his activities gradually, without forcing, but with the aim of recovering his sense of security. “It is important to facilitate things, how to accompany her to her activities or help you plan safe routes. It is also key to validate your emotions and congratulate it for every small achievement, such as leaving home or attending classes ”he explains.
The clinical psychologist also emphasizes that resilience is fundamental in this process. “The victim must visualize his goals and remember why he wants to resume his activities, such as studying or socializing. This will help you develop the emotional strength necessary to overcome fear “he points out.
In addition, it is recommended to perform activities that generate endorphins, such as listening to music or practicing hobbies, to counteract stress.
Finally, Monroy calls on the authorities, because he points out that “The State has the obligation to provide security, justice and protection to all citizens, especially childhood and adolescents, which is attacked in a context of structural violence that we live day by day”.