is What Sexual Assault? SURVIVING SEXUAL ASSAULT
By Julia Skinner [e-mail] Julia [e-mail]
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Some specific definitions of types of
sexual assault (RAINN.org): (RAINN.org):
Rape: Unwanted/forced sexual intercourse. Force may consist of threats or physical violence. Sexual Assault: Unwanted touching that stops short of forced intercourse.
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Some Quick Facts about Sexual Assault:
One in six people (male and female) will be
sexually assaulted in their lifetimes (RVAP training manual) Someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S. every 2 minutes (RAINN.org) (RAINN.org) From July 1st-September 30th, 2006 in Iowa City (RVAP quarterly report):
77 crisis line calls about rape 71 women, 5 men, 1 unknown 43 of these were by an acquaintance, partner, or former partner
Some Quick Facts About Sexual Assault:
Iowa City Quick Facts continued:
Most sexual assault are not reported Alcohol and physical force were the most common weapons used. The total number of victims in Iowa City and surrounding areas was 166 for this period. Individuals aged 18-29 years old reported a 18much higher incidence than any other age group.
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Some Quick Facts About Sexual Assault:
25 crisis line calls were from individuals
affiliated with the University of Iowa, 12 of these were in reference to a recent rape, and 23 of the total calls were made by University students.
If I've Been Sexually Assaulted, I' What Can I Do?
You are not alone. No matter what you did or
didn't do, the sexual assault was not your fault: didn' someone else chose to assault you. Rape Victim Advocacy Program Crisis Line:
Local: 319.335.6000 Statewide: 1.800.284.7821
RAINN Crisis Line (national): 1.800.656.HOPE
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What if Someone I Know Has Been Raped?
Listen: sometimes the thing a survivor needs
most is someone to talk to. Give advice, but recognize their right to make choices. If they do not want to call the police, etc. do not make them. Tell them it is not their fault. If you need advice or someone to talk to, you can always call the local or national rape crisis lines to find support.
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My Story:
14 years old: walking home from friend's friend'
house. Raped by a stranger: uncommon, most sexual assaults perpetrated by someone the victim knows.
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My Story
Immediate emotions: shock and
confusion, feeling alone. Not aware of resources. Felt like I was `in a fog' fog' Began getting depressed. Felt sick: discovered I was pregnant. Worry about what to do with child, fear of not being believed.
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My Story
Miscarried three months into pregnancy. Planted rose bush in memory of child. Depression increased, attempted suicide. Suicide attempt a wake up call, made me
realize I should talk about what happened. Told a friend, told who the school counselor.
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My Story
Reactions of others had big impact: hurt
of mother, seeming indifference of father. Went to police. Repeatedly told me I was lying, intimidated during interview. Re-traumatized me, made me feel more Reafraid and isolated.
My Story
Began counseling to aid the healing Learned to incorporate loss into my
process. identity rather than just trying to `get over it.' it.' Man continued to stalk me, but there was nothing I could do about it. Felt somewhat helpless, but less afraid than before.
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My Story
Chose to educate others by writing about
sexual assault for high school senior project. Worked with Heather Day from Moving to End Sexual Assault in Boulder, CO. Book included my drawings and chapters with facts about various aspects of sexual assault.
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My Story
Book was a huge success. Spoke about the project, brought copies of
book with me. People's positive responses were very People' empowering for me. Sold all 200 copies of book and had to make more because so many people requested them.
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My Story
Donated copies of book to various
community groups. Felt very empowered going to my first Take Back the Night. Began working on artwork for mural.
My Story
Moved to Des Moines, felt relief because I
would not see my stalker again. He somehow managed to find me, although he didn't do anything outside of didn' following me. Moved to Iowa City after a year. Began volunteering at the Rape Victim Advocacy Program.
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My Story
Have seen man who assaulted me several
times since I moved here. Still occasionally deal with fear that he might `show up'. up' Very involved with...