Sexual assault is a crime. Forcing you to have sex when you don’t want to, or forcing you into having sex by making you think you will be harmed if you don’t, is a serious criminal offence. Sexual assault is a general term which includes rape, but also includes other offences such as indecent assault.
The first things to do if you have been sexually assaulted:
- Go to a safe place such as a police station, hospital or to a friends house.
- Contact a family member or someone you trust.
- If you think you will make a report to the police, try not to wash, eat, drink or brush your teeth. Also try not to use the toilet unless it is urgent. Do not clean yourself up ,as this may destroy valuable evidence.
- Have a medical examination as soon as possible.
Sexual assault is never your fault
Everyone reacts differently to being sexually assaulted. There is no right or wrong way to be after an assault. Whatever you are feeling is normal. There can be many different short and long term effects of sexual violence. These could include:
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Shock and denial – not accepting that the assault has really occurred. Eg. asking yourself "has this really happened to me?" or "why me?"
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Fear – of the person who attacked you, being alone, getting close to other people, or having to deal with medical staff or police and being rejected because of your experience
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Anxiety – being unable to relax or feel safe
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Silence – being unable to talk about the assault, to describe what it means or feels like, afraid of being judged
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Guilt and blame – feeling like you are responsible, asking yourself "why did I go there/ allow it to happen/ not fight back?"
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Depression – feeling sad all the time or like things are hopeless
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Low self esteem – feel unworthy, having no confidence or feeling ashamed and dirty
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Isolation – wanting to be alone, hiding away from family and friends.
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Mood swings – moving from anger and rage to tears and despair
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Loss of trust – finding it hard to trust other people, eg. your friends or family
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Nightmares and flashbacks – images and memories of the assault intruding on daily life and sleep.
Medical examinations
- It is important to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you have been injured or you don’t want to report the assault.
- Medical examinations will treat any injuries that you have. You may be in shock and not even know that you have any injuries.
- Medical evidence can be collected if you decide to report the assault.
- You can also talk to the doctor about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, injuries or any other things you may be worried about. You can get treatment at your nearest hospital, sexual assault service or sexual health clinic.
Reporting it to the Police
- You do not have to make a formal report to the police straight away
- It is up to you whether or not you make a statement to police.
- If the assault was recent the police may ask you to have a forensic examination. You can decide if you want to do this or not .
- You can have a support person with you while you are interviewed by the police
- You can choose to just make an informal report if you do not want the person responsible charged.
Support
It is up to you who you tell about the assault. A lot of people find it difficult talking to people who are most important to them about what has happened. You may be worried about how they will react or that they will not understand.
Many victims have found it helpful to talk to a sexual assault counsellor. They are trained and sensitive to how you may be feeling. They will give you support and can assist with decisions about what you want to do next.
If you are needing some support you can call the NSW Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 424 017(freecall). You can talk to a telephone counsellor or get a referral to your local sexual assault service. They also have a online service www.nswrapecrisis.com.au.
If you are under 16 and speak to a youth worker, teacher, counsellor, police or health professional, they are required by law to report your incident to the Department of Community Services (DoCS).
[Thanks to the NSW Rape Crisis Centre for some of this information]
