According to a new YouGov survey on behalf of Metroxpress newspaper, a low percentage of young people in Denmark who have been sexually abused report the incident to the authorities.
The survey found that just 16 percent of those aged 18-29 who were sexually abused reported the abuse to the police. Self-blame and shame are among the reasons, according to experts.
“There are many reasons for it,” Sara Parding, a spokesperson at the Cente for Rape at Aarhus University Hospital, told Metroxpress.
“Many say they feel that they themselves are to blame for the abuse – a typical reaction to trauma. Because if you blame yourself, then you feel you can do something to prevent it from happening again. But it’s important that the abuse is reported to the police so the perpetrator can be punished.”
READ MORE: Parents responsible for most child abuse cases
Harrowing future
More than every tenth person aged 18-29 in Denmark has been exposed to some form of sexual abuse.
Victims of sexual abuse can have a greater tendency to be self-destructive and violent. They are also more likely to commit sexual abuses themselves and self harm.
Additionally, they are more susceptible to developing eating disorders, having suicidal thoughts and abusing drugs.
