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Student Affairs : Counseling Services : Self Help : Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault (nonconsensual sexual act, of which both men and women may be victims) can happen to anyone, at any time, or any place. Victims of sexual assault are females and males of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Facts
Sexual violence is NEVER the victim’s fault—no one asks to be raped or groped. Sexual assaults are not “provoked” by victims; it doesn’t matter how the victim was dressed, whether she/he was drinking or using drugs, or out on a date with the perpetrator, etc. Sexual violence is not about sex, instead it is about power. Contrary to images of stranger rapes, date rape accounts for approximately 77% of all rapes. That means that 77% of rape victims knew their perpetrator. 7-10% of all adult rape victims are male. An estimated 1 in 4 college women has been sexually assaulted.
What to Do If You’re Sexually Assaulted
Below are suggestions if you wish to press charges against the perpetrator, whether now or later. Although you may not be ready to press charges at this point, you may opt to proceed with the following so that you have more options in the future.
Seek immediate medical attention. Go to a hospital where special expertise is available. A medical examination is very important in order for evidence to be collected. You can decide later whether to pursue legal action against the attacker. If you decide to not seek immediate medical attention, you will not be able to retrieve physical evidence later. You should also be tested later for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV. Don’t wash or change clothes, brush your teeth, or go to the bathroom. By doing any of these things, you could be destroying evidence you can use against the attacker. Report the crime to the police. After a police officer takes your statement, you can decide whether to press charges. If your attacker is a SJSU student, please consider providing information to Debra Griffith, Director, Office of Student Conduct and Ethics, inAdministration Building, Room 242, or call 408-924-5985. It is especially helpful to talk to a professional who will be supportive and can walk with you through your recovery.
Aftermaths
Sexual assault is a trauma, and victims may react differently. As with other trauma, the experience may disrupt your life for awhile. Survivors/victims of sexual assault may not necessarily experience similar reactions and may not experience them in the sequence listed below. Furthermore, some may experience these very temporarily, while others may have feelings that last for months or longer. In any case, here are some feelings and experiences often identified by many victims.
This can’t be happening Fear & shock Some may act as if nothing has happened I just want to forget what happened Dramatic shift in feelings & behavior Increase use of alcohol/substances Increase promiscuity May cry all of a sudden, have increased anxiety, and/or exhibit exaggerated startled responses Feeling closed off & family/friends may be fooled Feeling ashamed, dirty, violated, vulnerable, self-blaming Trying to heal by gaining emotional distance I’m so angry and/or depressed; can’t seem to get control of my emotions Sense that everything is falling apart Nightmares, flashbacks, and/or hypervigilance Depression (w/ possible change in sleep & eating habits) Loss of sexual identity May change clothing style, hairstyle, makeup Life goes on and I can handle it Eventually, begin to accept what has happened May still think & talk about what happened, but will feel more in control of emotions Trauma plays less of a major role in life Though life may have changed, feelings of self-worth and strength will reemerge Difficulties with partners Sometimes, you may think you have already dealt with the trauma and will no longer experience these previous emotional reactions; however, it is not unusual for strong feelings to occur again when you try to get close to a partner.
Taking Care of Yourself
Seek support from trusted family members, friends, and professionals. Sometimes family and friends may start to question you about the incident, which may appear as if they are blaming you. Remember that it is never your fault if you did not give consent, or if you were not conscious enough to give consent! Many sexual assault survivors feel alone and isolated, because they feel as if no one can understand them. Many also find it difficult to talk about and to remember their assault experience, thus they avoid any mention of the incident. However, many who do eventually seek counseling have found it extremely helpful, although initially difficult. Use some stress reduction techniques. Walking, meditating, deep breathing, listening to music, exercising. Take time out to reflect on your experience and your goals in life. Some find it helpful to write in a personal journal, or to write a letter to the perpetrator, whether you decide to mail it or not.
It is often very difficult to proceed with life as it was after one has experienced sexual assault, especially rape. Come to Counseling Services in Administration Building, Room 201, to start your recovery process. You may also find that your academics are negatively impacted; we also have educational counselors who may help with your educational performance. Our personal counselors are available for walk-ins M-F, 10am-4pm, and for emergency/crisis walk-ins M-F, 8am-5pm. Please call 408-924-5910 for more information.
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