Sexual Assault Help from AICC
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center is here to partner with you in understanding the significance of sexual assault awareness and learning more about the problem of sexual violence. Many people might not know the definitions and terms associated with sexual violence, so this article will offer insight into the terminology you need to know, as well as information about how to support those in your life who have experienced sexual violence and how to find help if you have been sexually assaulted.
Sexual Assault Facts
Sexual Assault Awareness Month includes “sexual assault” in its name, but sexual assault is really just one kind of sexual violence.
Sexual violence is a broader, non-legal term that encompasses all forms of sexual abuse, including those perpetrated against men, women, and children.
The organization RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE); carries out programs to prevent sexual violence; and offers statistics and figures to raise awareness and educate people about sexual violence.
The following information from the RAINN website provides details about sexual in the US:
In America, someone is sexually abused every 73 seconds.
The rate of sexual violence is actually down by half since 1993.
In 93% of cases, sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the victim, such as an acquaintance, a trusted friend, or a family member.
One in four females will be abused in their lifetimes.
One in six men will be abused in their lifetimes.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can take several forms, including assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and rape. No matter what kind of sexual violence a victim has experienced, it is NEVER the victim’s fault under ANY circumstances.
Because “assault” is a term we hear often, it is important to “unpack” and more fully understand it. Not all of us are aware of exactly what it sexual assault means.
Sexual assault includes all of the following:
Attempted rape
Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape
Note that all rapes are sexual assaults, but not all sexual assault is rape. According to RAINN, “The term rape is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent.”
All states have different laws surrounding rape. RAINN helpfully offers a legal database searchable by state on its website.
Though only 5 out of 1,000 rapists go to jail, knowing more about the legal implications of this crime, in addition to finding support for mental health and emotional well-being, can be empowering for some victims of sexual abuse.
Intimate Partner Violence and “Date Rape”
Sexual abuse can also take the form of intimate partner violence or acquaintance rape (known sometimes as “date rape”).
No matter a victim’s past sexual history with a perpetrator, this kind of sexual violence is never “normal” or okay.
In cases of rape, “force” is a factor. Know that “force” can take many forms, including physical pressure, emotional coercion, psychological force, manipulation, threats, and intimidation.
It might be difficult for victims to understand sexual violence perpetrated by intimate partners as wrong in the same way as sexual violence perpetrated by a stranger; however, past connection or intimacy NEVER translates as permission or consent.
Sexual Abuse Against Men
Men who experience sexual abuse might have a much more difficult time coping with its impact on their lives.
They are not always comfortable speaking out or seeking help because of stereotypes and stigmas associated with masculinity.
Furthermore, shame and confusion about their sexuality in light of sexual violence might prevent them from reaching out for support.
Men, however, can be just as vulnerable to sexual violence as women, especially when then this violence takes place during childhood.
Regardless of gender, if someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, offer support by listening, not judging, and offering resources. If you have been a victim yourself, please consider counseling as a step toward healing.
Your counselor will provide a safe space to express your feelings and any details of your story you feel the need to share.
Your counselor can help determine the right course of treatment based on your unique circumstances.
Support for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Because sexual abuse impacts so many people, supporting victims who is important.
If someone opens up to you about being a victim of sexual violence, there are a few important steps you can take to help them. These include the following:
Listen
Validate their feelings
Express concern
Do not ask for details
Recommend appropriate resources
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse yourself, some useful resources include:
The National Sexual Abuse Hotline (you can also use the chat function if you do not feel safe calling)
Websites like RAINN, 1in6 (for victims who identify as male), and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Counseling for the lasting impact sexual violence can have on your life
Sexual violence can produce feelings like guilt, shame, and anger that a counselor can help you work through on your own terms, at your own pace, and without judgement.
At Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center, our highly-trained, experienced therapists can help determine the right counseling solution for you. Many of our therapists offer trauma-informed therapies, including techniques like brainspotting and EMDR, that can help victims of sexual violence process and work through their trauma. Please reach out to us if you are struggling with the impact of sexual violence. We are here to help.