| Coping with rape and sexual
assault |
| Select any section that interests you or
else read on through the page. |
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 Student
Counselling Service will offer support to all casualties
of rape.
Thererfore throughout this page advice and suggestions
are relevant to either gender. Women
who have suffered sexual attacks describe feeling: |
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frightened
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guilty
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powerless
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angry
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ashamed
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depressed
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numb
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lacking
self-confidence |
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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 below in contacts.
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| 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. |
| What
to do after a rape or 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 is
a clinic which offers free and confidential advice.
The Sexual Health Clinic at the Leeds General Infirmary
(LGI) - listed below in contacts. Here testing is carried out for pregnancy, sexually
transmitted disease and HIV antibodies.
Women
may have bruising and other injuries that need immediate
attention by visiting the Casualty Department at the
LGI.
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.
Ask for an officer who has had special training (this
would usually be a woman). 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.
|
Leeds
General Infirmary Sexual Health Clinic
Male - Tel: 0113 392 6724
Female - Tel: 0113 392 6725
Open
Mon - Fri, no GP referral necessary. Pregnancy testing,
as well as testing for sexually transmitted diseases and
HIV. HIV counselling available. For a confidential
discussion, call a health advisor on 0113 392 6058.
STAR
(Surviving Rape & Trauma)
0192 429 8954
Aids
Advice - 0113 242 3204 |
| Adapted from material produced
by Royal Holloway College, the University of London |
