In this episode, we delve into the depths of Ferit’s inner turmoil and uncover the various forms of victimization he has endured throughout his life. From the emotional neglect and psychological abuse inflicted by his own family to the chains of a forced marriage, Ferit’s journey has been marred by the remnants of criminal exploitation.
Although the show doesn’t explicitly depict the traumatic events or engage in direct dialogue, subtle hints scattered throughout the season, combined with Ferit’s complex mental state and behavioral disorders, provide us with a comprehensive understanding of his childhood trauma and the exploitation he endured at the hands of Sultan.
To grasp the gravity of Ferit’s case, let’s explore some key aspects:
Defining the Terms:
- Sexual Exploitation: The act of an adult engaging in sexual intercourse with a child, utilizing control, psychological manipulation, and emotional exploitation to satisfy their own desires.
- Sexual Harassment: Deliberately subjecting the victim to any form of sexually stimulating behavior.
It is essential to note that any sexual act involving a child, even with their consent, is considered abusive due to their inability to fully comprehend the situation.
Risk Factors:
• Child and adolescent abuse often takes a non-violent form, as the perpetrator gains the victim’s trust through manipulation or by exploiting their vulnerabilities within their own family circle. This could involve parents, relatives, drivers, or household staff.
• Incidents of sexual abuse in children and adolescents often manifest as enduring relationships that span months or even years, until they are either discovered through the onset of puberty, personal growth, or physical symptoms caused by the abuse.
• The abuse typically begins subtly, with non-sexual actions like hugging or kissing, gradually escalating over time.
• Additional risk factors include victims experiencing emotional and psychological neglect within their families, as well as children burdened by psychological pressure resulting from family violence, leading to disorders like anxiety or pathological fear.
• When abuse or exploitation becomes repetitive, victims find it challenging to sever their ties, falling into what experts term “living with abuse” or abuse accommodation. In some cases, victims attempt to regain control by becoming the dominant party in subsequent relationships.
The fear of parental reaction often compels the child to maintain silence, refraining from disclosing the assault or identifying the aggressor. This not only exposes them to the risk of further attacks but also complicates the situation. Furthermore, victims are frequently threatened or intimidated, with blame shifted onto them or their families, leading to a loss of hope and a sense of entrapment.
Consequences of Criminal Exploitation:
Criminal exploitation leaves a range of physical and psychological damages, including:
- Reproductive and urinary system disorders
- Digestive and immune system disorders
- Heart and respiratory diseases
- Diabetes
Psychologically, victims of exploitation endure various afflictions:
- Guilt Complex: Victims blame themselves for not resisting, further exacerbating their suffering. Society and family members may also contribute to this harm by holding the victim accountable for their failure to protect themselves.
- Trust Issues: Difficulty in trusting oneself and others, particularly in forming stable partnerships or trusting a spouse. This trauma erodes confidence in oneself, family, and society. The victim realizes their inability to protect themselves, while those around them failed to provide adequate protection.
- Fear of Betrayal: Intense fear and anxiety related to the possibility of being deceived or betrayed again.
- Inferiority Complex, Shame, and Masculinity Prejudice: Victims grapple with feelings of inferiority, shame, and prejudices towards their own masculinity.
- Control Issues: Seeking to reclaim control stripped away during the assault, victims may try to regain power by reenacting the abusive dynamic in their subsequent relationships. They become controllers, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
- Abandonment Complex: Feelings of abandonment, unworthiness of love, and a fear of being left behind.
- Hyper-Sensitivity and Fear of Re-Exploitation: Heightened sensitivity and constant apprehension of being manipulated, controlled, or harmed again.
- Other Psychological and Behavioral Damages: Constant fear and anxiety, withdrawal from social activities leading to social isolation, self-punishment, substance abuse, insecure attachment, and tendencies toward fragile or hidden narcissistic behaviors.
- Various Sexual Disorders: These can manifest as hypersexuality, engagement with multiple partners, diminished pleasure, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Some victims may experience premature sexual awakening, engaging in activities inappropriate for their age.
Building Relationships as a Victim:
Unconsciously, victims often gravitate toward partners who share similar “toxic” messages inherited from their troubled environment, a form of unconscious loyalty. This sets the stage for toxic relationships where each party perpetuates their psychological disorders upon the other. For instance, Pelin preys upon Ferit’s guilt complex, exerting control over him through emotional manipulation. This exploitation and manipulation make it challenging for Ferit to engage in a balanced emotional and marital relationship, hindering his ability to feel deserving of love and trust. His relationship oscillates paradoxically between distrust and profound love and attachment until he finds a sense of security.
Defense Mechanisms and Coping Strategies:
Victims often adopt defense mechanisms and coping strategies to survive their trauma, including:
• Denial: Believing that the past is behind them and does not warrant discussion. It often takes several therapy sessions before patients are willing to open up about their trauma.
• Rationalization: Minimizing the significance of the incident, citing youth as a reason to avoid dwelling on the past and assuming the role of a victim.
However, these mechanisms can impede future adjustment in marital relationships. Hence, therapy should focus on understanding these defense mechanisms, fostering healthy foundations, and introducing alternative concepts through cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Important Clarification:
While the idea of exploitation in Ferit’s case is apparent, it has not been explicitly addressed, primarily due to the difficulty victims face in confronting and discussing their trauma. Such revelations often occur in later stages of treatment.
Moreover, deliberate ambiguity surrounding Ferit’s personality and psychological background serves to heighten dramatic suspense, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of the incident and its dramatic treatment. Only the writer knows the exact intentions and future developments in Ferit’s storyline.
The period Ferit spent in America, exiled to study, conceals many untold secrets, which will be unraveled in due course.