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Surviving Sexual Assault What is sexual assault? Rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse all have one thing
in common. One person has, or tries to have, some form of sex with another
person who does not want it - a person who does not
consent. Sexual assault always involves the misuse of power Power doesn't just mean physical force or threats. In fact
it most cases the person is not physically harmed but is hurt or
overpowered in other ways. Is the attacker always a stranger? No. In most cases, rape and sexual assault are committed by someone who is an acquaintance, a neighbour, boss, friend, husband or family member. When a child is sexually abused, the offender is often a male relative or familv friend. Those who have been sexually assaulted need help - no matter how long ago it happened Rape or sexual assauft is a terrifying experience.
Everybody reacts differently. Some may show their distress openly, while
others may appear outwardly calm. There is no "right" or 'wrong" way to
react. * humiliation, disgust, powerlessness * numbness, disbelief, fear * guilt, responsibility, blaming oneself * isolation, unwillingness to tell others Those feelings can make it difficult to ask for help. It is never too late. Sometimes well-meaning friends feel you "should be over it by now". Trained counsellors understand why this is not true. Emotional care - counselling Support and understanding may come from family and friends, but sometimes other people have trouble coping with what has happened, and trained.counsellors may be easier to talk with. Counselling is available for all. people who have been raped or sexually assaulted, and to their family and friends. Physical care Whether there is injury or not, it is important to have a medical check What can the doctor offer? Reassurance: Just knowing that physically you are okay, can give great relief and can be an important step towards recovery. Injuries: need to be assessed and treated. Sexually transmitted diseases: These can be contracted and yet give no sign or symptoms. The doctor can give a full check for STDs, and offer prevention with antibiotics if you seek help within a few days, or treatment if you seek it later. Pregnancy: Again, the doctor can give treatment to prevent pregnancy within the first few days. If it's too late for this, the doctor can offer counselling and medical advice if you think you might be pregnant from an assauft. Evidence for Court cases: If you are considering making a report to the police about the assault, the examination can include the collection of samples for evidence. This must be done as soon as possible after the assault as evidence is easilV destroyed. Having this special examination does not commit you to prosecuting the assailant, but it does give you the choice if you decide to do so later. Remember - no medical examination of any sort is ever done without your full consent Practical care The police can investigate the attack, and if necessary, offer protection from further risk The Department of Social Welfare has the legal authority to keep the child or teenager safe. The Accident Compensation Corporation will meet the costs of counselling by an approved counsellor. It can compensate you for personal injury, for damage to clothing, for time off work, and for other consequences of a sexual assault Where to get help: If you, or someone close to you, has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, there is plenty of practical, professional help available. don't go it alone! Seek counselling help from: HELP centres RAPE CRISIS centres Seek medical help from: Your own doctor A DSAC doctor Your own GP may be able to help. Sometimes though, the
victim of sexual assault Is reluctant to seek the help of the family
doctor. And do seek help. You deserve it. DSAC Office Office Location:
Unit 5/4 Warnock Street Telephone: (+64 9)
376 1422 |
