Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Social Work

Sexual violence is a major global issue that requires well informed, empirically
grounded practice which includes some preventive approach and policy interventions.
Prevention practices in social work emphasizes on encouraging people to be more
proactive about their health and wellbeing. This menace affects both male and females
in the society as it involves the intervention of the rightful authorities and social
workers in most cases to address it at the levels of social work it applies to, from the
small level, medium level and the large level. Cases of these issue seems to be on the
high side as it occurs in different forms.
However, it is of necessity to know that very few people are comfortable with reporting
this issue whether it happened directly or indirectly to them. It is also very necessary
to note that interventions from the right authorities concerning the victims in the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not very known compared to the facilities in
place for the offenders. In addition, it is also significant to note that there are reasons
as to why sexual violence is underreported especially in students even while some are
continuously being violated. To aptly respond to the victims of sexual violence, social
workers primarily ensures that they are trauma-informed, upholding the responsibility
of further education and using methods applicable when addressing or intervening with
clients as well as constituencies. Hence, the need for more critically trained social
workers and awareness of facilities to be put in place for the victims.
This research work will reflect on the prevalence of sexual violence, the reasons why
sexual violence is underreported and the essence of social workers in relation to sexual
violence and the help they render to victims of this violence