After The Assault

 

What does someone do after they have been sexually assault?

Who can help them? Where do they turn to? 

Step #1 and #2:

#1.)  It's necessary for the victim to ask themselves,  "am I in a safe place?" 

It's crucial for someone that has just been sexually assault to feel safe and have friends that they can call or reach out to for support. Victims are also encouraged to call the police or local hospital. 
#2.) Understanding that what has happened was not in the victim's control nor their fault and therefore should not blame themselves (RAINN). 


Next:
Get Help.... 
Thankfully there are several hotlines and support groups that can help victims of sexual assault deal with the experience and move forward with life. 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers guidance for victims in which trained staff members help the victim locate nearby health facilities, where they can receive medical attention if need be (RAINN). 
If a hotline is too overwhelming there are also anonymous chat groups that victims can engage in that might make some feel more safe and protect their identity. 


Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done..... 
After a sexual assault, majority of victims are frightened, in disbelief, and fragile. Before contacting anyone, several will struggle with the idea of reporting the assault or not speaking about it at all. 

More common reactions from victims will be:

• "it wasn't that big of a deal"
• "no one will understand!"
• "I'm just imagining this"

In addition, there will be feelings of:

• shock and numbness
• loss of control
• disruption of daily life
• self-blame and shame
• anger
• fear and isolation
• anxiety and PTSD

(Sexual Assault's Survivor Guide). 

As recommended by the Survivors Guide-

Self-Care for Survivors:

-Get support from family members and friends.

-Talk about the assault and express your feelings. 

-Stress Reduction Techniques such as walking, yoga, meditation.

- Maintain a healthy balance of diet and sleep.

- Release your hurt and anger in positive ways. 

-Hug those you love. 

-Remember you are safe. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice....

• Approximately 30% of sexual assault cases are reported to authorities.
• Among college women, only 12% are reported to law enforcement. 
• 81% of women who reported sexual assault experienced significant short term or long term impacts. 

(Raising Awareness About Sexual Abuse). 

According to RAINN....

• 68% of sexual assaults are not reported.
• 98% of rapist will never spend a day in jail or prison. 

(RAINN). 

It's important that no victim be alone in the fight against sexual assault.




References:

https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/tips-for-after-an-attack

https://www.csbsju.edu/chp/sexual-assault-survivors-guide#WhatToDo

https://www.nsopw.gov/en/Education/FactsStatistics?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

https://rainn.org/statistics