|
Introduction
Being raped or sexually assaulted is a very distressing experience with effects that can be long lasting. Because
the majority of rapes are reported to be against women this leaflet is written from the woman's perspective. However
it is acknowledged that male rape exists and the University Counselling Service will offer support to all casualties
of rape. Therefore throughout this page advice and suggestions are relevant to either gender.
Women who have suffered sexual attacks describe feeling:
- frightened
- guilty
- powerless
- angry
- ashamed
- depressed
- numb
- lacking self-confidence
Sometimes women have difficulty with eating or sleeping. They may lack concentration and find this makes academic
work difficult. Every woman reacts differently and it is not unusual for feelings to change from day to day. In
particular there can be a long gap between the assault and the emotional reaction. It can be difficult to talk
about the attack to friends or family yet it is important to have understanding and support. It can be helpful
to talk to a trained person in confidence - one of the University Counsellors, or a local Rape Crisis Centre -
listed in contacts.
Facts about Rape and Sexual Assault
The perpetrator of the rape may well be known to the woman.
There is a myth that sexual violence is only carried out by strangers. In fact the majority of offences are committed
by a man known to the woman. He may be a friend, a partner, a workmate, a relative, a neighbour or a person in
authority.
Rape is not always accompanied by other physical violence.
When a woman is sexually assaulted she may react in various ways. Some women scream or fight back; many become
quiet - too shocked to speak or cry out. Paralysed by fear, they may be unable to resist. If violence is threatened
some may take the decision to struggle less in the hope of getting away with the least amount of physical harm.
Consequently, they may or may not have torn clothes or signs of struggle afterwards. Verbal intimidation, threats
or emotional blackmail may be used by the assailant. Therefore a woman does not need to show physical injuries
to prove she has been assaulted.
Rape and sexual assault, whether by a stranger or a friend, is never the woman's fault.
Rape and sexual assault is always more about the use of force or power to humiliate, control, hurt or violate a
woman than about sexual desire or passion. There is evidence to suggest that a very large number of attacks are
premeditated. The appearance of the woman in terms of status, age, cultural background, occupation, previous relationships
is irrelevant; any woman can suffer sexual assault or rape.
Coping with Rape and Sexual Assault
Women will react differently after sexual assault or rape. It is important to trust and validate your feelings
and do what you need to do in order to recover. This may entail telling a friend, going to a place where you feel
safe or having a bath or shower or crying.
In order to cope with the trauma of the event many women will just try to carry on as normal and not tell anyone
for a long time. However, often distress can surface a considerable time after the event. No matter how much later,
a woman can always seek help from counsellors, GPs etc. Do not feel you have to cope on your own simply because
you did not report the incident soon after it happened.
Health Issues
Many women who have been raped or sexually assaulted are concerned about their health. Hospitals and GPs must see
you on a confidential basis and not report the assault to the police unless you request this.
You may decide to be tested for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. If you prefer not to use your GP there
are clinics which offer free and confidential advice. The Genito-Urinary Clinic, is situated at the Royal Hallamshire
Hospital - listed in contacts. Here testing is carried out for sexually transmitted disease and HIV antibodies.
Women may have bruising and other injuries that need immediate attention by visiting a Casualty Department at a
local hospital - listed in contacts.
Reporting to the Police
Sexual violence is a criminal offence and you can, if you wish your perpetrator to be prosecuted, report the crime
to the police. It is your choice. You can do this later if you wish but the reason for reporting a sexual assault
immediately is so that forensic evidence can be taken. Evidence will be collected by means of a medical examination
by a police surgeon - who will be a GP employed part-time by the police.
If the attack was physically violent the police forensic team may also wish to visit the scene of the crime to
collect more evidence.
When you go to the police station you can take someone with you, such as a friend or professional worker. You will
be interviewed by an officer who has had special training (this would usually be a woman and you can specifically
request this if you wish).
Today the police are trained to use tact and sensitivity. No one has the right to ask you to disclose any personal
details about your previous relationships and sexual life.
If you have reported a sexual offence you have the right to withdraw the complaint at any time. The police may
require clothing to be left for forensic examination. The police station can provide you with other clothing, but
it is a good idea to take a change of clothes with you.
If you are very traumatised after the assault you may arrange another time for a statement to be made. If English
is not your first language the police can arrange for an interpreter to be present. The police officer will explain
police procedures to you and give you advice and information of the next stages including the court process.
Return to The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress Homepage
|
