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sexual assault
 


"i thought i was the only one...
         i never thought i'd be okay...
                 but now i'm doing the work...  
                             ...and i'm coming alive again"

 
  Sexual Assault Facts

  • 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before age 18. 
  • 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18.
  • 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime.
  • 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime
  • Every 2.5 minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted
  • 25-35% of child sexual abuse victims are males
  • 84% of rapes go unreported
  • 46% of survivors of acquaintance rape and 27% of stranger rape survivors never tell anyone.
  • 77% of rape survivors know their attacker. These include rapes committed by relatives, neighbors, acquaintances and boyfriends.
  • 57% of rapes occur on a date.
  • 90% of children under the age of 12 knew their assailants. 
Effects of Sexual Assault/Abuse

Sexual abuse affects the lives of survivors in many different ways. The reactions to abuse vary from person to person. The effects can occur right after the abuse or even years later; they may last for a short while or for lengthy periods of time.  Sexual Assault/Abuse can affect all areas of a survivors life, including but not limited to physical, psychological, emotional, relational, and sexual aspects of their life.  Not all survivors experience all effects and some may experience more than others.  In any case, it is strongly recommended that the survivor seek professional counseling and support. 
If You Know Someone Who Has Been Assaulted
  • Believe him or her unconditionally
  • Remember that sexual assault is about POWER AND CONTROL - it is not about sex
  • Give the survivor full control over his or her decisions
  • Understand that you cannot control her/his suffering
  • Understand that healing is a slow process
  • Listen to the survivor
  • Assure the survivor that it is/was NOT their fault
  • Encourage medical attention - Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy as well as other serious injury 
  • Let the survivor know that professional help is available
  • Remember your own needs - it is difficult to support someone.  Be aware of how you are dealing with the situation and get professional help for yourself if need be. 
  • Convince the survivor that it's never too late to ask for help. Even if the attack happened years ago, many survivors do not realize they need help until months or years later.
  • Help him or her find a local Rape Crisis Center or therapist/counselor. 
  • Give them the phone number for the
    National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE 
Kathy Norwine, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Kathy Norwine has worked extensively with sexual assault survivors and adult survivors of child sexual abuse.  She currently has a private practice in Alexandria, Virginia and works with individual and group clients.  If you are a survivor of sexual assault and/or child sexual abuse, and are need a counselor/therapist, go to  Contact Kathy   Kathy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) in Virginia, D.C. and New Jersey. 
**APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH!**
 
 

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