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Local psychologist weighs in on senate hearing

Sep 27, 2018 | 5:35 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — As the senate hearing for Brett Kavanaugh continues down in Washington, the topic of sexual assault is being brought forward.

Dr. Linda Hancock, a registered psychologist, says these cases can affect people depending on where you are in your own life.

Hancock says when someone goes a traumatic experience they tend to shut down but when people hear others speaking up it helps give them the same confidence.

“When there’s somebody else that admits they’ve gone through a similar circumstance it’ll open the door, and it will give somebody permission to actually say ‘this happened to me too,’” says Hancock.

In the hearing involving Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford the allegations stem from an incident at a high school party.

Hancock says the party scene can confuse the whole idea of what consent means.

“Right at the time it might just look like they’re having a party, and they’re having some fun, but they’re not realizing the consequences of the choices that are being made at that party,” says Hancock.

Hancock says hookup apps like tinder are affecting how we form relationships.

“Often people people are not building their relationships before they’re building their sexual encounters,” said Hancock.

She says Medicine Hat has many resources available if you have insurance, or free programs like victim’s assistance with the police.