SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I will blog once a week in April and May about statistics, manifestations, tips for survivors and those who accompany them, and true stories from guest bloggers. There is hope with God to overcome the effects of trauma and become the person you were created to be. You are not alone.

Statistics and Manifestations

Did you know that one in three women and one in six men will experience some kind of sexual assault in their lifetime? 

Sexual assault is a display of power and control by the perpetrator against the victim. It is about power, violence and control over another person, not sex. The assault can be anywhere from non- contact (exhibition, exposing one to porn, photographing without consent) to contact (touching, using objects, and intercourse).

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, n.d.):

• Most victims are female (88-92%). There are fewer male victims (8-12%).

• In the US, one out of three women has experienced some form of sexual trauma.

• In the Us, one out of six men has experienced some form of sexual trauma.

• Women between 16-19 have the highest rate of sexual abuse.

• In 8 out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator.

• Fifty-one percent of women reported rape by an intimate partner, 40% by an acquaintance.

• One in 4 girls and one in 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before 18 yrs.

• Ninety percent of campus (college) sexual assault is not reported.

Some common reasons for not reporting are shame, embarrassment, fear of exposure of family members, and blaming oneself for the event. Men are less likely to report than women.

Manifestations

Here is a list of common manifestations. Please remember that No one size fits all. Not all survivors experience all of these listed here.

• Shame:  self-worth, distorted self-image, guilt for causing or guilt for enjoying it since our bodies were made for pleasure, and poor body image.

• Trust issues: struggle with trusting God, self, and others, especially those in authority. Poor image of God.

• Fear: anxiety, worry, being stuck in fear, fear of disclosing the family secrets.

• Hidden Anger:  hurt, frustration, overreacting, displaced anger, despair, depression.

• Control: controlling the present since the trauma was beyond their control.

• Idolatry: addictions, disordered attachments.

• Physical symptoms: nightmares, headaches, panic attacks, trauma trapped in the body, struggles with sexuality.

• Lack of Forgiveness:  victim mentality, blaming self or others, bitterness, resentment towards God, self, and others.

Shame is the most common manifestation. It says, “I am not enough.”  “There is something wrong with me.”  This is far from the truth. Next week, I will blog suggestions to survivors that are starting their healing journey. Remember, there is hope with God and you are not alone!