This is important information for females of ALL ages.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts :

The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed . They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning, between 5:00a.m. and 8:30a.m.

The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery store parking lots . Number two is office parking lots/garages. Number three is public restrooms.

The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming .

These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas , or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out here", "we're in for a bad winter." Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you lose appeal as a target.

If someone is coming toward you , hold out your hands in front of you and yell STOP or STAY BACK ! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back . Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yell I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches.

Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it hurts.

After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

When the guy puts his hands up to you , grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!

You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.



-Birdy

RAPE IS A CRIME:

According to most estimates, 80-90% of rapes are not reported to authorities. Current trends project that 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted at some point during her life.

The typical rape victim is a 16-24 year-old woman. Anyone, however -- man or woman, adult or child -- can be the victim of rape. Most commonly, the assailant is a 25-44 year-old man who plans his attack. He usually chooses a woman of the same race. Nearly half the time, the victim knows the rapist at least casually, by working or living near him. Alcohol is involved in more than 1 out of 3 rapes. Over 50% of rapes occur in the victim's home. The rapist breaks into the victim's home or gains access under false pretenses, such as asking to use the phone or posing as a repairman or salesman. Rape is a violent act, and most commonly committed by a male upon a female. However, some cases of rape have been reported in which a woman has raped a man. Rape also may occur between members of the same sex. This is more prevalent in situations where access to the opposite sex is restricted (such as prisons, military settings, and single-sex schools). Rape is an act of violence expressed through sex, but is not primarily about sex. Those who face some form of discrimination are believed to be at higher risk of sexual assault. This increased vulnerability can assume various forms. For example, those with disabilities or limited language skills have a decreased ability to call for help; prostitutes or convicted prisoners have decreased credibility.

Rape Prevention

The most useful prevention tool currently available is to make women more aware of the reality of rape. Law enforcement agencies strongly advocate prevention as the best form of protection. The following safety tips may help minimize the chance of being raped:

• Keep doors/windows secured with locks. 
   
• If walking or jogging, stay out of secluded or isolated areas and arrange to do the activity with at least one other friend, rather than alone. It is best to engage in activities during daylight hours. 
   
• Try to appear strong, confident, aware, and secure in your surroundings. 
   
• Keep car doors locked while driving, check back of car for intruders prior to getting in, and park in open, well-lit areas. 
   
• On public transportation, sit near the driver or up front if possible; avoid sitting near groups of young men obviously associated with one another. 
   
• Consider taking a self-defense class, which can promote self-confidence and provide useful skills and strategies for different situations. 
   
• Carry items that can call attention to you if needed (whistles, personal alarms, etc.) 
   
• If an assault attempt is initiated, scream loudly and/or blow a whistle. 
   
• Do not hitchhike. If your vehicle breaks down and someone offers to give you a ride, ask the person to call for help while you stay locked in your vehicle. 
   
  

It is better to respond quickly and actively to an attack, according to numerous studies. People, especially women, who resist the attacker this way are more likely to avoid being raped, compared with those who exhibit either passive behavior or no resistance.

The Symptoms Of Being Raped:

Rape is a very traumatic event. The person who was raped may or may not be able to say that she was actually raped, or she may seek medical attention for a different complaint. Emotional reactions differ greatly and may include: confusion, social withdrawal, tearfulness, nervousness or seemingly inappropriate laughter, numbness, hostility, and fear. A person who was raped may have a variety of other physical concerns needing to be addressed. Physical abuse is often present as well. Emergency room staff are specially trained to deal with all of these situations.

The Signs o Being Raped and The Tests That Must Be Conducted

A history will be obtained in a supportive and non-judgmental way. This will include the details of the attack: the date and time of the rape, where it occurred, and what the attacked person has done since the attack (for example, showered and changed clothes or came directly to the hospital). If possible, this interview should be done with both medical and investigating police present, to eliminate the need for the person to repeatedly recall the incident. Additional medical history that should be obtained includes: any possibility of pregnancy prior to the attack; the date of the last menstrual period; a pertinent gynecological history, including any prior sexual abuse or assault; and the presence of chronic illness or recent illness or injury, as well as current medications. A complete physical examination should be done to document any objective signs of trauma. Pictures may be taken to note bruises, scrapes, or cuts. X-rays will be taken if fractures are suspected. Numerous samples and specimens may be collected for evidence including clothing, pubic hair samples (particularly if foreign materials are seen within it), fingernail scrapings, and vaginal samples to examine for evidence of sperm and test for sexually transmitted diseases (mouth or anal samples may also be required).

Rape and/or Sexual Assault Treatment

In many cities, rape cases are referred to specific emergency rooms. This allows for more specialized care for the unique needs of the person who was raped, and assures proper procedures are followed to maintain the "chain of evidence" necessary for a case that may go to trial. Such sexual assault treatment centers may also employ, or have available on-call, a team that is specialized in assessing and dealing with the emotional, physical, and legal issues a person who was raped faces. Most state laws require that the person be evaluated in the emergency room prior to the rape being officially reported. It is recommended that a person go to the hospital immediately after the rape occurs, without changing clothes, showering, douching, or urinating. Such activities may alter or destroy evidence helpful in identifying and prosecuting the rapist. Treatment focuses on providing enough emotional support while attempting to collect enough objective evidence to verify the person's complaint of rape. If the person who was raped has a support person she wants present, the treatment team should try to make that possible; otherwise someone (such as a nurse) should be "assigned" to stay with the person throughout the interviews and examination. Someone who was attacked should not be left alone unless she wishes to be. She should be offered the choice of being interviewed in street clothes rather than in a patient gown. The examination and collection of specimens should be fully explained beforehand, and whenever possible, the person should be given choices in an attempt to give her back a sense of control. Maintaining a supportive environment, free from any judgmental statements, may encourage a person who has been attacked to express whatever feelings arise. Treatment includes addressing any potential for pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, offering information relevant to those possibilities, and providing care for the immediate physical and emotional trauma incurred, as well as planning follow-up care. If there is a chance that the rapist is HIV-infected, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP, a way to reduce the odds of infection by immediate use of anti-retro-viral medications) should be explained and offered. Referral to a local rape crisis center may be helpful. These centers offer peer support, and advice necessary for adequate healing from the trauma.

A Rape Victims Outlook

Recovery from a rape typically includes the acute phase (immediate period of physical pain and wound healing, emotional reactions and coping mechanisms put into action), and the reorganization phase (occurring about one week after the rape and lasting months to years, as the person attempts to "get on with life"). Group psychotherapy with other rape survivors as been show to be the most effective treatment.

Rape and/or Sexual Assault Related Complications

Some women are never fully able to recover emotionally from a rape. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common complication. Symptoms include recurrent nightmares, intrusive memories (flashbacks) of the event, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and numbing of emotions. Cognitive psychotherapy and antidepressant medications have been shown to be effective treatments for PTSD. More than 50% of rape victims have some difficulty in re-establishing relationships with spouses or partners or, if unattached, in re-entering the "dating scene." Any per-existing psychiatric disorders may be worsened. Suicidal behaviors, depression, and substance abuse may develop or become more prominent.

Please Call Your Health Care Provider If:

• You have been raped: go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not shower or change your clothes. 
   
• You were sexually assaulted in the past but never sought or received adequate care. 
   
• You have been raped (recently or in the past) and are experiencing personal or relationship problems.
  

-Birdy

Sexual Assault

*  Definition

*  Overview

*  Reactions of Sexual Assault Victims

*  If an Individual is Sexually Assaulted

*  HIV/AIDS and the Sexual Assault Survivor

*  Services for the Sexual Assault Survivor

*  What to do for a Victim of Sexual Assault

*  References

*  Bibliography

*  Additional Information

* In 2005, 92 percent of rape or sexual assault victims were female; those 16-19 years old had the highest rate of sexual victimization of any age group. A total of 191,670 rapes and/or sexual assaults were experienced by victims 12 years old or older (Shannan M. Catalano, 2005).

* Of female sexual assault victims, 73 percent were assaulted by someone they knew, and 26 percent were assaulted by a stranger. Thirty-eight percent of women assaulted by a known offender were friends or acquaintances of the rapist, and 28 percent were intimate partners (Shannan M. Catalano, 2005).

* Under 39 percent of all rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement (Shannan M. Catalano, 2005). Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes, with males being the least likely to report a sexual assault (RAINN, 2005).

* Recent research has found that rape survivors who had the assistance of an advocate were significantly more likely to have police reports taken and were less likely to be treated negatively by police officers. These women also reported that they experienced less distress after their contact with the legal system (Rebecca Campbell, 2006).

* Between 1999 and 2000, all rapes, 39 percent of attempted rapes, and 17 percent of sexual assaults against females resulted in injuries. Most victims did not receive treatment for their injuries (Callie Rennison, 2006).

* In 2004, there was a 50% increase in victim compensations paid for forensic sexual assault exams compared to 2003 (National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, FY 2004).

Definition:

Sexual assault takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's consent. Some types of sexual acts which fall under the category of sexual assault include forced sexual intercourse (rape), sodomy (oral or anal sexual acts), child molestation, incest, fondling and attempted rape. Sexual assault in any form is often a devastating crime. Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family members. Assailants commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure or tricks. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted.

Overview

In most jurisdictions, the term sexual assault has replaced the term rape in the state statutes. This was done to be more gender-neutral and to cover more specific types of sexual victimization and various levels of coercion. For example, some state codes define Sexual Assault in the First Degree or Aggravated Sexual Assault as physically or psychologically forced vaginal, anal or oral penetration - which has typically been thought of as rape.

Sexual Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, Sodomy, Lascivious Acts, Indecent Contact, and Indecent Exposure are all examples of possible sexual assault charges. Basically, almost any sexual behavior a person has not consented to that causes that person to feel uncomfortable, frightened or intimidated is included in the sexual assault category.

The law generally assumes that a person does not consent to sexual conduct if he or she is forced, threatened or is unconscious, drugged, a minor, developmentally disabled, chronically mentally ill, or believe they are undergoing a medical procedure. Some examples of sexual assault include:

• Someone putting their finger, tongue, mouth, penis or an object in or on your vagina, penis or anus when you don't want them to;

• Someone touching, fondling, kissing or making any unwanted contact with your body;

• Someone forcing you to perform oral sex or forcing you to receive oral sex;

• Someone forcing you to masturbate, forcing you to masturbate them, or fondling and touching you;

• Someone forcing you to look at sexually explicit material or forcing you to pose for sexually explicit pictures; and

• A doctor, nurse, or other health care professional giving you an unnecessary internal examination or touching your sexual organs in an unprofessional, unwarranted and inappropriate manner.

Reactions of Sexual Assault Victims

Since every person and situation is different, victims of sexual assault will respond to an assault in different ways. Many factors can influence an individual's response to, and recovery from, sexual assault. These may include the age and developmental maturity of the victim; the social support network available to the victim; the victim's relationship to the offender; the response to the attack by police, medical personnel, and victim advocates; the response to the attack by the victim's loved ones; the frequency, severity and duration of the assault(s); the setting of the attack; the level of violence and injury inflicted; the response by the criminal justice system; community attitudes and values; and the meaning attributed to the traumatic event by the sexual assault survivor (Koss & Harvey, 1991). Some survivors of sexual assault will find they can recover relatively quickly, while others will feel the lasting effects of their victimization throughout their lifetime. 

 

Possible Physical Effects of Sexual Assault

• Pain

• Injuries

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headaches

  
  

Possible Emotional/Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault

• Shock/denial

• Irritability/anger

• Depression

• Social withdrawal

• Numbing/apathy (detachment, loss of caring)

• Restricted affect (reduced ability to express emotions)

• Nightmares/flashbacks

• Difficulty concentrating

• Diminished interest in activities or sex

• Loss of self-esteem

• Loss of security/loss of trust in others

• Guilt/shame/embarrassment

• Impaired memory

• Loss of appetite

• Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide and death)

• Substance Abuse

• Psychological disorders

  
  

Possible Physiological Effects of Sexual Assault

• Hypervigilance (always being "on your guard")

• Insomnia

• Exaggerated startle response (jumpiness)

• Panic attacks

• Eating problems/disorders

• Self-mutilation (cutting, burning or otherwise hurting oneself)

• Sexual dysfunction (not being able to perform sexual acts)

• Hyperarousal (exaggerated feelings/responses to stimuli)

  
  

In addition to these effects, a survivor of sexual assault may develop Rape-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (RR-PTSD). According to the National Women's Study, nearly one-third of all rape victims develop RR-PTSD sometime during their lifetimes (National Center for Victims of Crime & Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992). PTSD is a mental health disorder primarily characterized by chronic anxiety, depression and flashbacks which develop after experiencing significant trauma such as combat, natural disaster or violent crime victimization. RR-PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional when the biological, psychological and social effects of trauma are severe enough to have impaired a survivor's social and occupational functioning (Allen, 1995 p.169)..

If an Individual is Sexually Assaulted

It is important that the victim of sexual assault understand that no matter where they were, the time of day or night assaulted, what they were wearing, or what they said or did, if they did not want the sexual contact, then the assault was in no way their fault. Persons who commit sexual assault do so out of a need to control, dominate, abuse and humiliate. Sexual assault is the articulation of aggression through sex, and has little to do with passion, lust, desire, or sexual arousal.

Survivors of sexual assault, as stated earlier, react in many different ways following the assault(s).  

Whatever the reaction, it may be helpful for the victim of sexual assault to call a friend, relative, partner, the police, or an advocate specifically trained in assisting victims of sexual assault. Some prosecutor's offices, police departments, and every local sexual assault program have trained advocates who work with sexual assault victims and can provide a variety of services including:

Accompaniment to the hospital, during the rape exam and to the police station; 
 

• Information about reporting procedures and what to expect; 
   
• Legal advocacy and court accompaniment; 
   
• Emergency crisis intervention, counseling and referrals; 
   
• Counseling for the victim's partner, spouse or family; 
   
• Assistance in finding care for children; and 
   
• Information about sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and pregnancy testing. 
   
• Immediately after an assault, it is most important that the victim find a safe place, such as a neighbor or friend's house, police station, or hospital. If the assault occurred in the home, the house should be secured as soon as possible by locking all the doors and windows. If a survivor is hurt, it is imperative to immediately dial 911 to request an ambulance or have a trusted friend or relative transport the survivor to the nearest medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
  
  

Reporting the Assault(s)

• The decision to report a sexual assault lies within the discretion of the sexual assault survivor. If a sexual assault survivor plans to report the assault to law enforcement, it is crucial for evidentiary reasons that they do not:

  
  

• Shower, bathe, or douche;

  
  

• Throw away any clothes that were worn at the time of the assault;

  
  

• Brush or comb their hair;

  
  

• Use the restroom;

  
  

• Brush their teeth or gargle;

  
  

• Put on makeup;

  
  

• Clean or straighten up the crime scene; and

  
  

• Eat or drink anything.

  
  

If planning to report, it may prove helpful for the survivor to immediately write down everything they can remember about the assault including: what the assailant(s) looked like (e.g., height, weight, scars, tattoos, hair color, clothes); any unusual odor; any noticeable signs of intoxication; anything the assailant(s) said during the assault; what kinds of sexual activities were demanded and/or carried out; what kinds of weapons, threats or physical force were used; and any special traits noticed (e.g., limp, speech impediments, use of slang, lack of erection, etc.) (Johnson, 1985). Writing it down will not only aid the survivor in recalling details should they be required to testify, but it also gives the sexual assault survivor an active role in the investigation, which can allow for a feeling of empowerment and an element of control in a situation where control had previously been taken away.

The survivor who reports the assault to the authorities will most likely have to undergo a sexual assault forensic examination, sometimes called a "rape kit." During this procedure a doctor or nurse will collect the evidence necessary to establish that a crime occurred and, if possible, establish who committed the crime. To do so, the nurse or doctor will perform an internal examination (either vaginally, anally or both) taking swabs of any secretions left by the perpetrator and will do the same to the victim's mouth if any oral contact was made during the assault. In addition, samples of the victim's hair and pubic hair will be plucked from the root, and many times several hairs need to be collected so some discomfort will be felt. The pubic hair will also be combed through to collect any foreign hair, secretions, or matter. The clothes the victim was wearing will be held as evidence also, so it is a good idea for the survivor to bring along a change of clothes to the hospital. A series of photographs will also be taken of the victim, including anywhere there are bruises, scrapes or cuts. 
 
A victim who chooses to report the assault will probably be asked to describe their victimization in detail to several different officers and investigators. The survivor may also have to tell a nurse what happened, and may want to share their feelings with an advocate. If the case is pursued, at a later date the survivor will be interviewed by the prosecutor's office, and may have to take part in different hearings in which the victim is asked questions about the assault. The sexual assault survivor who plans to prosecute should know it may take months or years for a case to go to trial, so he or she should be prepared to talk about their victimization many times before ever having to testify before a trial jury or judge. 
 
It is the fear of intrusive and re-victimizing court procedures that prevent many sexual assault survivors from reporting their assault(s). In 2005, Under 39 percent of all rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement (Shannan M. Catalano, 2005). Many factors contribute to under-reporting including shame and embarrassment, self-blame, fear of media exposure, fear of further injury or retaliation, and fear of a legal system that often puts the victim's behavior and history on trial. A majority of states now have laws called "rape-shield" statutes, which prohibit any non-relevant evidence of the victim's past sexual history from being used by the defense at trial. 
 
There are benefits to reporting sexual assaults, however, which include being eligible for state crime victim compensation funds. If a victim is eligible, these funds can possibly pay for the sexual assault forensic examination; other medical expenses; one-time or ongoing sexually transmitted disease testing; psychological counseling and treatment; lost wages; and other services and assistance. 
 
In addition, many sexual assault survivors report that choosing to follow through with prosecution contributes to a feeling of accomplishment and empowerment because they are attempting to protect themselves and others in the community from being victimized. Many victims also report the attempt to put their assailant(s) in jail allows for a feeling of closure, enabling them to put the assault behind them (Johnson, 1985). Moreover, it is only by more individuals reporting sexual assaults that pressure can be placed on the legal system and the community at large to reduce the negative consequences on victims who report sexual assaults. 

Furthermore, if individuals who commit sexual assault offenses are not apprehended and prosecuted, they will continue to commit sexual offenses. One widely recognized study found that 126 admitted rapists had committed 907 rapes involving 882 different victims (Abel et al., 1987). That study does not account for the multiple victims of child sexual assault, incest, molestation or other forms of sexual predatory behavior which typically have a high number of victims and re-offense rate. Therefore, the more sex offenders that are apprehended and prosecuted, the fewer victims of sexual assault.

 

HIV/AIDS and the Sexual Assault Survivor

A concern of many survivors of sexual assault is the possibility of transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as a result of their victimization. According to the National Women's Study, 40% of rape victims were significantly concerned about contracting HIV as a result of the assault. Though the actual risk of transmission from a single act of sexual assault is relatively low, the psychological stressor of possible HIV infection is quite significant for the survivor of sexual assault (Gostin et al., 1994). If the survivor wishes to be tested for HIV, he or she should talk to a trained advocate or HIV/AIDS professional counselor about the testing process and options. In most cases if a victim has contracted HIV Disease as a result of the assault, he or she will test positive within two weeks of the assault. In some instances it may take up to three months for a positive result. 

If the victim decides to be tested, it is important to locate an anonymous testing site. To protect confidentiality, whenever possible avoid testing at a hospital or with a family physician. If the first test result is negative, follow-up testing should be conducted three months, six months and one year after the assault. Many victims also wish to know the HIV status of their assailant. Most states allow for testing of alleged and convicted sex offenders and disclosure of the results to the victim.

 

Services for the Sexual Assault Survivor

Whether or not a sexual assault victim chooses to report the assault(s) to the authorities, there is support and help for the survivor in most communities. The local rape crisis or sexual assault program's advocates will work with a survivor no matter what course of action they choose to pursue. Along with providing direct service to victims, agencies also conduct sexual assault awareness, prevention and education programs in schools and the community, and work closely with their state sexual assault coalitions to advocate for fair legislation pertaining to victims of sexual crimes. 
 
Many communities have established written protocols for response to sexual assault victims to ensure they are treated by all service providers in a consistent, responsible and sensitive manner. In addition, many jurisdictions have created multi-disciplinary teams, sometimes called S.A.R.T (Sexual Assault Response Team) programs. These teams usually consist of law enforcement officers, advocates, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners or doctors that respond to crime scenes, hospitals and police stations to serve the immediate needs of the sexual assault survivor. Communities use this comprehensive approach to sexual assault victim assistance to reduce the negative aftereffects and trauma associated with sexual victimization by limiting the number of interviews and providing the survivor with immediate resources for assistance. 
 
Furthermore, many prosecutors' offices and law enforcement agencies have Victim/Witness programs that work closely with victims once they have decided to report and/or prosecute. These criminal justice system-based service providers in most jurisdictions can assist a victim in filing for state crime victim compensation funds; will file a restitution claim with the Court; will notify a victim of hearings, possible plea negotiations and court schedule changes; will accompany a survivor to various court proceedings; will explain the legal process and legal proceedings to the survivor; and will interact on the behalf of the victim's interests with the various attorneys, court personnel, and the survivor's employer or school. 
 
Many communities also have community mental health centers that provide psychological counseling, support groups and, if necessary, referral to psychiatrists for medication assessments. Most of these centers provide services on a sliding-fee scale basis, charging clients according to what they can afford. 
 
The effects of sexual victimization can be severely traumatic, and survivors generally find that time-limited or even long-term counseling is extremely important to their recovery. Even after initial crisis counseling, victims may find it helpful to return to counseling periodically when it becomes difficult to manage the aftereffects of sexual assault without further guidance and assistance. If the survivor does not wish to contact a sexual assault or rape crisis advocate or mental health counselor, they may want to talk through their feelings with a trusted family member, friend, or member of the clergy. 
 

What to do for a Victim of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault affects not only the victim, but the loved ones and family of the survivor, as well as the community. Family members and friends many times not only have to help their loved one manage the aftereffects of the assault but also have to deal with their own feelings about the victimization of someone they care about. Those that live with the survivor may become concerned about their security and may have similar feelings and responses as those the survivor experiences. Family members in some communities can find support groups for loved ones of those who have been victims of sexual assault. The immediate neighborhood as well may be affected by the victimization of their neighbor and become more concerned about their personal safety. They may respond to the assault(s) by establishing a neighborhood watch program or installing better street lighting. Professionals in the community who have direct contact with the survivor may develop protocols, or guidelines for response, to sexual assault victims to ensure the needs of survivors are being addressed within their respective agencies. 

 

To be of assistance to a survivor one should:

• Listen without judging;

  
  

• Let them know the assault(s) was not their fault;

  
  

• Let them know they did what was necessary to prevent further harm;

  
  

• Reassure the survivor that he or she is cared for and loved;

  
  

• Encourage the sexual assault victim to seek medical attention;

  
  

• Encourage the survivor to talk about the assault(s) with an advocate, mental health professional or someone they trust; and

  
  

• Let them know they do not have to manage this crisis alone.

References

Abel, Gene, et al. (1987). "Self-Reported Sex Crimes of Nonincarcerated Paraphiliacs." Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2(1): 3-25.

Allen, Jon. (1995). Coping with Trauma. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.

Campbell, Rebecca. "Rape Survivor's Experiences with the Legal and Medical Systems: Do Rape Victim Advocates Make a Difference?" Violence Against Women 12 (2006).
 
Catalano, Shannon M.  "Criminal Victimization, 2005." (Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2006).

Gostin, Lawrence et al. (1994). "HIV Testing, Counseling, and Prophylaxis After Sexual Assault." Journal of the American Medical Association, 271(18): 1436-1444.
Johnson, Kathryn. (1985). If You Are Raped: What Every Woman Needs to Know. Holmes Beach, FL: Learning Publications, Inc.

Koss, Mary & Harvey, Mary. (1991). The Rape Victim: Clinical and Community Interventions. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Library of Social Research.

National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, "FY 2004: Compensation to Victims Continues to Increase." NACVCB, 2005.

National Center for Victims of Crime & Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. (1992). Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. Arlington, VA: National Center for Victims of Crime.

RAINN, Rape, Abuse & Incent National Network, "National Sexual Assault Hotline," 2006.

Rennison, Callie, "Rape and Sexual Assault: Reporting to Police and Medical Attention," Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2006.

Bibliography

Burgess, Ann. (1991). Rape and Sexual Assault III: A Research Handbook. New York: Garland

For additional information, please contact:

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

123 North Enola Drive

Enola, Pennsylvania. 17025
877-739-3895 (tollfree)

717-909-0710 (phone)

717-909-0714 (fax)

717-909-0715 (TTY)

www.nsvrc.org

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence(202) 289-3903
www.naesv.org



National Center for Victims of Crime2000 M Street NW, Suite 480
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 467-8700
Fax: (202) 467-8701
www.ncvc.org

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
2000 L Street, NW, Suite 406
Washington,DC 20036
(202) 544-1034
(800) 656-HOPE (4613)
info@rainn.orgwww.rainn.org



National Association for Crime Victims Compensation Boards(703) 780-3200
www.nacvcb.org



Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
(404) 639-3311
Public Inquiries (404) 639-3534, (800) 311-3435
www.cdc.gov

-Birdy

MEN AND SEXUAL TRAUMA

MEN AND SEXUAL TRAUMA
By: Thomas “Birdy” McKee


At least 10% of men in our country have suffered from trauma as a result of sexual assault. Like women, men who experience sexual assault may suffer from depression, PTSD, and other emotional problems as a result. However, because men and women have different life experiences due to their different gender roles, emotional symptoms following trauma can look different in men than they do in women.

WHO ARE THE PERPETRATORS OF MALE SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Those who sexually assault men or boys differ in a number of ways from those who assault only females.

Boys are more likely than girls to be sexually abused by strangers or by authority figures in organizations such as schools, the church, or athletics programs.

Those who sexually assault males usually choose young men and male adolescents (the average age is 17 years old) as their victims and are more likely to assault many victims, compared to those who sexually assault females.

Perpetrators often assault young males in isolated areas where help is not readily available. For instance, a perpetrator who assaults males may pick up a teenage hitchhiker on a remote road or find some other way to isolate his intended victim.

As is true about those who assault and sexually abuse women and girls, most perpetrators of males are men. Specifically, men are perpetrators in about 86% of male victimization cases.

Despite popular belief that only gay men would sexually assault men or boys, most male perpetrators identify themselves as heterosexuals and often have consensual sexual relationships with women.

WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS RELATED TO SEXUAL TRAUMA IN BOYS AND MEN?

Particularly when the assailant is a woman, the impact of sexual assault upon men may be downplayed by professionals and the public. However, men who have early sexual experiences with adults report problems in various areas at a much higher rate than those who do not.

EMOTIONAL DISORDERS

Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to suffer from PTSD, other anxiety disorders, and depression than those who have never been abused sexually.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Men who have been sexually assaulted have a high incidence of alcohol and drug use. For example, the probability for alcohol problems in adulthood is about 80% for men who have experienced sexual abuse, as compared to 11% for men who have never been sexually abused.

ENCOPRESIS

One study revealed that a percentage of boys who suffer from encopresis (bowel incontinence) had been sexually abused.


RISK TAKING BEHAVIOR

Exposure to sexual trauma can lead to risk-taking behavior during adolescence, such as running away and other delinquent behaviors. Having been sexually assaulted also makes boys more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for contracting HIV (such as having sex without using condoms).
How does male gender socialization affect the recognition of male sexual assault?

* Men who have not dealt with the symptoms of their sexual assault may experience confusion about their sexuality and role as men (their gender role). This confusion occurs for many reasons. The traditional gender role for men in our society dictates that males be strong, self-reliant, and in control. Our society often does not recognize that men and boys can also be victims. Boys and men may be taught that being victimized implies that they are weak and, thus, not a man.
* Furthermore, when the perpetrator of a sexual assault is a man, feelings of shame, stigmatization, and negative reactions from others may also result from the social taboos.
* When the perpetrator of a sexual assault is a woman, some people do not take the assault seriously, and men may feel as though they are unheard and unrecognized as victims.
* Parents often know very little about male sexual assault and may harm their male children who are sexually abused by downplaying or denying the experience.

WHAT IMPACT DOES GENDER SOCIALIZATION HAVE UPON MEN WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?

Because of their experience of sexual assault, some men attempt to prove their masculinity by becoming hyper-masculine. For example, some men deal with their experience of sexual assault by having multiple female sexual partners or engaging in dangerous "macho" behaviors to prove their masculinity. Parents of boys who have been sexually abused may inadvertently encourage this process.

Men who acknowledge their assault may have to struggle with feeling ignored and invalidated by others who do not recognize that men can also be victimized.

Because of ignorance and myths about sexual abuse, men sometimes fear that the sexual assault by another man will cause them to become gay. This belief is false. Sexual assault does not cause someone to have a particular sexual orientation.

Because of these various gender-related issues, men are more likely than women to feel ashamed of the assault, to not talk about it, and to not seek help from professionals.

ARE MEN WHO WERE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AS CHILDREN MORE LIKELY TO BECOME CHILD MOLESTERS?

Another myth that male victims of sexual assault face is the assumption that they will become abusers themselves. For instance, they may have heard that survivors of sexual abuse tend to repeat the cycle of abuse by abusing children themselves. Some research has shown that men who were sexually abused by men during their childhood have a greater number of sexual thoughts and fantasies about sexual contact with male children and adolescents. However, it is important to know that most male victims of child sexual abuse do not become sex offenders.

Furthermore, many male perpetrators do not have a history of child sexual abuse. Rather, sexual offenders more often grew up in families where they suffered from several other forms of abuse, such as physical and emotional. Men who assault others also have difficulty with empathy, and thus put their own needs above the needs of their victims.

IS THERE HELP FOR MEN WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?

It is important for men who have been sexually assaulted to understand the connection between sexual assault and hyper-masculine, aggressive, and self-destructive behavior. Through therapy, men often learn to resist myths about what a "real man" is and adopt a more realistic model for safe and rewarding living.

It is important for men who have been sexually assaulted and who are confused about their sexual orientation to confront misleading societal ideas about sexual assault and homosexuality.

Men who have been assaulted often feel stigmatized, which can be the most damaging aspect of the assault. It is important for men to discuss the assault with a caring and unbiased support person, whether that person is a friend, clergyman, or clinician. However, it is vital that this person be knowledgeable about sexual assault and men.

A local rape crisis center may be able to refer men to mental-health practitioners who are well-informed about the needs of male sexual assault victims.

SUMMARY

There is a bias in our culture against viewing the sexual assault of boys and men as prevalent and abusive. Because of this bias, there is a belief that boys and men do not experience abuse and do not suffer from the same negative impact that girls and women do. However, research shows that at least 10% of boys and men are sexually assaulted and that boys and men can suffer profoundly from the experience. Because so few people have information about male sexual assault, men often suffer from a sense of being different, which can make it more difficult for men to seek help. If you are a man who has been assaulted and you suffer from any of these difficulties, please seek help from a mental-health professional who has expertise working with men who have been sexually assaulted.
Recommended books

Victims No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse by Mike Lew, Foreword by Ellen Bass. (1990). HarperCollins; ISBN 0060973005

Wounded Boys, Heroic Men: A Man's Guide to Recovering from Child Abuse by Daniel Jay Sonkin and Lenore E. A. Walker. (1998). Adams Media Corporations; ISBN 1580620108
Sources

Bauserman, R. B., & Rind, B. (1997). Psychological correlates of male child and adolescent sexual experiences with adults: A review of the nonclinical literature. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26, 105-139.

Black, C. A., & DeBlassie, R. R. (1993). Sexual abuse in male children and adolescents: Indicators, effects, and treatments. Adolescence, 28, 123-133.

Briggs, F., & Hawkins, R. M. F. (1995). Protecting boys from the risk of sexual abuse. Early Child Development and Care, 110, 19-32.

Carballo-Dieguez, A., & Dolezal, C. (1995). Association between history of childhood sexual abuse and adult HIV-risk sexual behavior in Puerto Rican men who have sex with men. Child Abuse and Neglect, 19, 595-605.

Collings, S. J. (1995). The long-term effects of contact and noncontact forms of child sexual abuse in a sample of university men. Child Abuse and Neglect, 19, 1-6.

Darves-Bornoz, J. M., Choquet, M., Ledoux, S., & Manfredi, R. (1998). Gender differences in symptoms of adolescents reporting sexual assault. Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology, 33, 111-117.

Etherington, K. (1995). Adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 8, 233-241.

Garnefski, N., & Diekstra, R. F. W. (1997). Child sexual abuse and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: Gender differences. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 36, 323-329.

Gordon, M. (1990). Males and females as victims of childhood sexual abuse: An examination of the gender effect. Journal of Family Violence, 5, 321-332.

Hepburn, J. M. (1994). The implications of contemporary feminist theories of development for the treatment of male victims of sexual abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 3, 1-18.

Lisak, D. (1994). The psychological impact of sexual abuse: Content analysis of interviews with male survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 7, 525-548.

Marrow, J., Yager, C. A., & Otnow Lewis, D. (1997). Encopresis and sexual abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 21, 11-18.

Porter, E. (1986). Treating the young male victim of sexual assault. Syracuse, NY: Safer Society Press.

Winder, J. H. (1996). Counseling adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse: A review of treatment techniques. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 18, 123-133.