Sexual Assault
You’re not alone.
Sexual assault is the act of someone touching another person in a sexual manner without consent. The victim is never to blame, 100% of the blame lies with the predator.
About every seventy seconds in the United States someone experiences an unwanted sexual encounter. One in every six women has been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. If you have been sexually assaulted please contact the authorities or the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1 (800) 656-4673
There are resources available.
What is consent?
A person must be of legal age, not under the influence of any judgment-impairing substance, and not feel manipulated or pressured into the situation for them to be able to consent.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Next Steps
Make sure you are safe:
Do your best to put yourself in a safe physical and emotional place. It may not be easy to feel safe, but it is helpful to convince your brain that you can still have security even after this terrible act.
Reach out for support:
Once you are in a safe place contact someone that you trust and that will provide assistance. This could be a loved one or the Sexual Assault Hotline, for example. After sexual trauma victims often experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD, it is important that they speak with people that will help them through these things.
Consider your medical options:
It is up to you to decide to pursue this step but understand that medical professionals can provide treatment for bodily injuries and help ensure your future physical and sexual health.
Process the experience:
Find the way that best works for you, to talk about or understand your sexual trauma. Not everyone benefits from therapy but it can be helpful and is highly recommended.
5. Consider your legal options:
There are many reasons that survivors may not want to file a police report. It is not a necessity that you do, but if you have enough comfort to do so it can be helpful to prevent future attacks.
Potential Long-term Effects
Some potential long-term effects of sexual assault consist of but are not limited to:
PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Withdrawal
Contract an STI or become pregnant
Contemplation and attempt of suicide
Utilize drugs negatively
Develop an eating disorder
Coping Mechanisms
Talking to loved ones or a healthcare professional can help you process the event, as well as, come up with additional coping mechanisms.
Calming your body through yoga, meditation, or muscle relaxation is a great way to relax and clear your mind if you ever become overwhelmed.
Sources used:
https://www.rainn.org/resources
https://www.nsvrc.org/about-sexual-assault
* We are not medical professionals, we are simply here to raise awareness*