Ghana Psychological Association Troubled by Public Reaction to Russian Sex Abuse Cases

The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) says it is troubled by the public’s judgment against female victims of a Russian man who recorded his sexual encounters with them and shared them online.

The Association emphasised that the perpetrator should be held accountable, rather than the victims.

In a press statement, it posited that victims of such violations experience significant psychological distress, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, shame, and social withdrawal, as well as suicidal thoughts.

It stated that comments such as ‘they should have known better,’ ‘they were cheap,’ or ‘why did they follow him?’ represent classic victim-blaming, which causes secondary traumatisation to the victims and creates a culture of silence that discourages future victims of sexual exploitation from seeking help or reporting abuse.

“No one consents to exploitation by agreeing to social interaction. Accepting a phone number exchange, visiting someone, or engaging in a private relationship does not amount to consent for secret recording and public distribution,” it stressed.

Implication
The GPA emphasised that the psychological impact extends beyond the women directly involved.

It noted that mocking and blaming victims has a chilling effect on reporting, help-seeking, and recovery.

“It also normalises the idea that women are responsible for the predatory behaviour of others. Young people who watch this national conversation are learning what our society values.

“If we respond with empathy, accountability, and support, we teach them that exploitation is wrong and that victims deserve protection. If we respond with ridicule and blame, we teach them that exploitation is the victim’s fault.”

Cause
The association observes that the victims may have fallen prey due to psychological and cultural factors.

It cited Ghana’s cultural orientation toward hospitality and warmth; implicit social conditioning that associates whiteness with status, opportunity, or desirability; and deliberate strategies of social manipulation by the alleged perpetrator.

“When someone is deliberately deceived, it is the deceiver who bears moral and legal responsibility, not the person who was deceived.”

Action
Commending the government’s intervention, the Association called for a thorough investigation with the rights and dignity of the affected women protected throughout the legal process.

“We also call for the establishment of victim support services as part of the response to this case.”

It urged the media to undertake responsible reporting and avoid sensationalised coverage, repeated sharing of the footage, and commentary that blames the women causes additional harm.

Meanwhile, it finds this as an opportunity for parents to have honest conversations about digital safety, consent, personal boundaries, and the psychological tactics used by predators.

“Rather than teaching young people to be ashamed, let us teach them to be informed, confident, and assertive in protecting their personal space and dignity.”

GPA has also committed to coordinating with relevant agencies to provide psychological first aid and ongoing mental health support to the affected women and their families, and working with media houses and public institutions to promote responsible discourse around sexual exploitation and victim support.

It also intends to develop and disseminate public education materials on digital safety, consent, and psychological manipulation, as well as advocate for policy frameworks that integrate psychological support services into Ghana’s response to technology-facilitated sexual violence.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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