National Workshop on Management and Prevention of Sexual Assault
Under the theme “Don’t be ashamed of your story, it will inspire others”, a national workshop titled “Management and prevention of sexual assault” was organized by the Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing at Tishk International University (TIU) in partnership with the College of Medicine at Hawler Medical University and Akre University for Applied Science. The workshop’s goals included raising public awareness of sexual assault and educating attendees on how to handle the legal and medical needs of those who have been sexually assaulted for the nurses and healthcare workers, lecturers, and medical students.
This workshop was planned based on the most recent edition of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on goal number three, which addresses health and well being, and goal number five, which is concerned with gender equity.
The workshop’s host, Mrs. Asmaa Yaseen Mawlood, provided a brief introduction and explanation of its goals and objectives at the outset. She also directed the audience’s attention to a video prepared by the nursing department’s research assistant and students, which included positive affirmations for victims of sexual assault.
Prof. Dr. Hiwa Banna, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, welcomed the guests and external presenters with a speech. He highlighted the importance of the workshop, which tackles sensitive issues prevalent today, and expressed his gratitude to everyone for their participation.
Dr. Banaz Adnan, a psychiatric expert, led the first training session, discussing approaches to dealing with sexual assault victims and providing psychological treatment.
The session’s second speaker, Dr. Dilman Azad, a specialist in Forensic Medicine, explained the assessment and diagnostic process for rape victims. He also offered guidance to nurses and other healthcare professionals on how to promptly refer and examine patients who have been raped.
Dr. Halgord Azizkhan, a specialist in Criminal Law Philosophy, was the third speaker of the first session. He discussed the legal and ethical considerations surrounding sexually abused individuals and the guidelines for the criminal justice system.
The second workshop session commenced after a brief break and refreshments. Mr. Hilal Farouq, an MSc student in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, introduced the audience to a relaxation technique called meditation. He elaborated on the manifestations of suicidal ideation in rape victims and how to identify and support them.
Following the workshop, Assistant Professor Dr. Dara Abdulla Al-Banna organized a panel to address audience questions and comments, emphasizing the participants’ insights and discussions.
The workshop concluded with two primary outcomes: the adoption of a patient-right protocol authorized by the Kurdistan Region Parliament and the nursing department’s commitment to organizing community projects centred on these themes. These projects aim to increase public awareness and educate people about the prevention and treatment of sexual assault.
In conclusion, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing thanked the workshop’s host and organizer, as well as all the speakers, for their significant contributions to the event’s success.
Access our Agenda for additional details,
