Many rightly believe that one of the immediate consequences of the coronavirus pandemic was on the economic front. However, even financial difficulties that have led to stressful situations related to livelihoods are sometimes an excuse to use dangerous behaviors, and to take unnecessary risks on the part of offenders. Worse, the general order guidelines separated some individuals from of their families, and even the community, which increased the risk of abuse and sexual assault. In addition, it is difficult to turn to a system of support or assistance in these contexts.
Therapists say that patients sometimes reported deterioration in mental state during lockdowns, as the lack of distractions caused a feeling of flooding with emotions, and even the awakening of repressed thoughts and memories, as well as anxiety attacks. All of these, with the intervention of thoughts about livelihood and subsistence, caused the abusive situation to intensify to a rather significant extent.
At “Na(r)gish”, the only organization in Israel that seeks to focus on the treatment of youth and men in this context, we invite any boy or man who was harmed, to see the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as a door through which to enter, also to treat issues that were previously present, to improve the quality of their life, as well as the quality of life of those around them. We are aware that regaining control is the most important principle when it comes to dealing with the recovery from sexual assault, as it has been expropriated at the time of the assault itself. Therefore, the feeling of uncertainty that was present for everyone, led to greater fear and anxiety for victims of sexual assault. It has led to loneliness and detachment from anything that helps to succeed in coping on a daily basis, in a sense.
