Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is an experience that can profoundly affect both our physical and emotional well-being, leaving us with complex feelings of confusion, pain, shame, guilt, and loneliness. Sometimes, it is difficult for us to even give it a name or share what we have gone through with anyone else.
In any case of sexual harm of any kind, it is vital to know and remember: It is not your fault. It does not matter what you were wearing or where you were, the responsibility and the guilt always lie solely with the person who attacked and caused harm.
Is this Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any act or behavior of a sexual nature performed without the free and full consent of all parties involved.
Sexual assault includes a wide range of behaviors, including:
- Unwanted sexual comments.
- Inappropriate or unwanted touch.
- Non-consensual exposure to sexual content.
- Rape or attempted rape.
Sometimes, there is fear or difficulty in defining the experience as “assault,” especially when there is concern about the reactions of those around us or a sense of confusion.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. The harm can be caused by a stranger or by someone familiar, such as a family member, a partner, a family friend, a neighbor, a babysitter, etc.
Sexual Assault is an Act of Control and Violence
Sexual assault is not behavior driven by sexual desire. Rather, it is driven by a need to control, humiliate, and hurt the victim. It is an act of violence.
The assault is always the responsibility and the fault of the perpetrator, never the victim.
Abuse Among Children
Studies show that up to the age of 12, boys and girls experience sexual abuse at the same frequency. Approximately 88% of these cases are perpetrated by a close family member.
Between the ages of 12 and 18, the majority of sexual assaults occur during romantic dates, and above the age of 18, they most frequently occur within established relationships.
What Happens After Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault has a profound and often lasting impact. Its effects are felt immediately after the incident and can continue for a long time. Sexual trauma affects both the body and the mind, and every reaction you have, no matter how much time has passed, is normal.
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The feelings that arise after sexual assault are diverse and often confusing. You may experience physical pain, unexplained fatigue, fears, and a sense of loss of control. The body, which is our physical home in the world, can suddenly feel foreign or threatening. This may lead to feelings of discomfort, distance, or a sense of detachment (dissociation) from oneself.
The assault can also change how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Feelings of guilt and shame often accompany the trauma, even when there is no reason to blame yourself. You may be overwhelmed by thoughts like “Maybe it happened because of something I did” or “What will people think of me if they find out?”
These thoughts are completely natural, but they can cause us to withdraw from others and make it difficult to ask for help and support. It is important to remember that with the right support and care, it is possible to cope and recover from sexual assault.
What Is Considered Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any situation in which a person coerces, attempts to coerce, or pressures another person into a sexual act without clear and free consent.
This includes:
- Unwanted physical touch.
- Offensive sexual remarks or harassment.
- The non-consensual exposure to or distribution of sexual images and content.
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Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize an experience as “assault,” especially when it involves someone close to us or situations where boundaries were blurred.
Sexual assault can occur at any age, in any environment, and across all socio-economic backgrounds. It can be a one-time incident or ongoing abuse. Any violation of personal and sexual boundaries is a difficult experience that can have a deep impact.
Every one of us deserves to feel safe and respected within our personal space and our own bodies. Understanding this helps us recognize instances of harm and acknowledge that what happened was wrong.
If You Experienced Sexual Assault in the Past Week
There Sexual Assault Centers, designed to assist and support survivors of sexual assault. These centers provide emergency medical-preventive care as well as emotional support.
While you are not obligated to go to an Acute Room, it is important to know that the first few days after an assault are critical for receiving initial medical and emotional care. These centers also collect forensic evidence should you decide to pursue legal action.
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- Timeframe: You can arrive at an Acute Room up to one week after the incident.
- Recommendation: It is highly recommended to arrive within 72 hours to allow for the best medical care and evidence collection.
- Confidentiality: Care and assistance are provided with strict confidentiality.
- Staff: These centers operate 24/7 with professional teams specially trained to provide care and support during the sensitive period following an assault.
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Self Help Tips
Always remember – it’s not my fault
Sexual assault is never the fault of the person harmed. The guilt always belongs to the perpetrator. Sexual assault is not “sexual behavior”, it is an act of control and violence. It is never your fault.
Initial Medical Care
Following an assault, you can receive medical assistance at dedicated centers located nationwide. These centers operate 24/7 with specialized professional teams. All care is provided discreetly and confidentially.
Allow Yourself to Have Every Emotion and Thought
Every reaction you have is legitimate. It is okay to experience any feeling, physical sensation, or thought that arises. Sexual trauma can trigger all kinds of emotions, sometimes even contradictory ones. There is no “right” way to feel or react. Give yourself the space and permission to experience it all at your own pace.
Sharing, But Only When You Are Ready
You can share your experience with a trusted friend or family member, or turn to organizations and hotlines that provide support for survivors of sexual assault. Talking can help release and Relieve the Burden of what you are going through. Remember: you have the power to choose what, when, and how much you want to share.