Why did it happen to me?

Information for Survivors of Adult Sexual Assault and Rape.

What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual act that happens without your consent. If you have just been sexually assaulted then seek medical help. You may also wish to report the assault to the police. If you have been sexually assaulted it is not your fault. If you have survived a sexual assault you are a person who has the right to be treated with respect.

If you were sexually assaulted you may be feeling…

Shock
Shock can take many forms. These can range from being completely calm to hysterically crying and can happen at any time.

Anger
Anger is a natural reaction to being sexually assaulted.

Fear
Survivors often fear the offender returning. You may find that similar situations, smells, places etc., will trigger this fear after the assault.

Shame
Rape is a very humiliating experience. Survivors often feel dirty and degraded…Being sexually assaulted does not make you a bad person. There is no right or wrong way to survive an assault, whichever way you survived the assault is the right way for you.

Guilt
Most people who’ve been raped, experience some degree of guilt – If only I hadn’t been at that party…If only I hadn’t been wearing…

No-one ever deserves to be raped. Nothing you were wearing, said or did makes you responsible for the assault. The perpetrator is always responsible for their actions.

You may be experiencing…

You may feel like…

• Abusing alcohol and/or drugs

• Not eating or eating in binges

• Hurting yourself

• Cutting yourself off from the world

Every person reacts differently to being sexually assaulted. There is no right or wrong way to feel or react.

What can I do?
As a victim of crime you have a right to look after yourself. Some of the common ways people find help are:

• Seeing a sexual abuse counsellor

• Doing a self-defense course

• Ringing one of the listed support services

• Joining a survivors support group

"Compiled for the Sexual Abuse Centre by Megan Rowe"