HOW CAN SEXUAL ASSAULT AFFECT A PERSON?

posted by admin in Women's Health

Despite the fact that victims of sexual assault may come from different cultures, backgrounds, and age groups, there are several themes which seem to be common. There is no one way to feel after being assaulted, but women often describe feeling humiliated, degraded, dirty, ashamed and guilty. They may feel depressed, or numb. They may feel stupid for not having fought back, or that they have brought it on themselves. They may feel hatred towards the offender, and anger towards men in general. They may distrust their own judgement, and feel underconfident about themselves. They may feel embarrassed in front of their friends and family. They may have trouble sleeping, eating, or otherwise functioning normally. It may interfere with their emotional and physical relationships with other people.

Women who have been sexually assaulted need support. Close friends may be able to provide this, but sometimes friends are confused and upset themselves, and afraid that they don’t know how to help. Many women find that talking about their feelings with a trained, experienced counsellor is very helpful. Some find talking to other women who have had similar experiences very useful. Most sexual assault centres run groups for women who have been assaulted, as well as offering individual counselling.

The Centre Against Sexual Assault in Melbourne uses the term victim/survivor when writing guidelines for workers in sexual assault. This has the dual effect of expressing that the woman or child was a victim, and was not responsible for the assault, and that she is a survivor, therefore strong enough to have survived the assault. The word survivor also implies that there is a future and hope after sexual assault. There is.

If you would like more information or advice about sexual assault, you can contact your local sexual assault centre, or a telephone counselling, information and referral service.

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