Experiencing a sexual assault may involve a wide range of emotional and psychological responses. Confusion is very common. First off, what is a sexual assault, and does it always involve rape?
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The Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault
Sexual assault happens when a person intentionally sexually touches another person without consent. Sexual assault can involve a very wide range of crimes—separate from rape—such as attacks, unwanted sexual contact between the offender and the victim, such as grabbing or fondling, as well as verbal threats. Sexual assault may or may not involve penetration (rape).
What to Do After a Sexual Assault
After a sexual assault, it may be difficult to know, exactly what to do or how to respond. A flood of emotions may overwhelm a person who has just experienced such a trauma, causing anger, pain, extreme fatigue, and more. Deciding just what to do next may seem very complicated and confusing.
Each survivor is different regarding the perception of the experience as well as individual needs after the event. Each person recovers from a traumatic event differently. Learning what to do if you are sexually assaulted can help to clarify your future actions and ground you during a very trying time.
According toJessica Klein, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and a lecturer at the University of Southern California School of Social Work, the initial steps to recovery from sexual assault include the following.
A person who is in immediate danger should call 911 right away.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety
The most important thing to do immediately after a sexual assault is to ensure you are in a safe place. This practicality could be overlooked in the immediate aftermath of emotional trauma. During a physical/sexual assault, the brain is in hyper-reaction mode. During trauma, thelimbic system(the part of the brain that involves processing emotions and is responsible for the fight or flight mechanism) takes over the logical part of the brain.According to Klein, “The first and most important factor should be prioritizing your safety and well-being.” Establishing a sense of safety and well-being can involve many different action steps. “It can mean calling your closest friend or trusted family member to come over and stay with you, or getting into bed under layers of blankets—whatever will help you feel a little bit safer in your own body,” Klein said.
Step 2: Reach out for Support
Another psychological experience that may be common after a sexual assault is called “dissociation.” Dissociation is a feeling of being disconnected from a person’s sensory experience, sense of self, or personal history.Klein recommends that the support should come from a trusted person, one who will not attempt to inquire into the details of the assault, but, rather, will listen attentively and offer emotional support.
RAINN HotlineOne option for reaching out for support is to call a victim crisis hotline, such as theNational Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotlineat Call 800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN has specially trained operators who are experienced in working with victims of sexual assault. The emergency hotline is also prepared to connect with important resources such as local healthcare facilities and information on reporting the assault to the local criminal authorities.When you call the HOPE hotline, your call will be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization (based on the first six digits of your phone number). When calling in on a cellular phone, there will be an option to enter your ZIP code (to more accurately route you to the nearest local sexual assault service provider).
RAINN Hotline
One option for reaching out for support is to call a victim crisis hotline, such as theNational Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotlineat Call 800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN has specially trained operators who are experienced in working with victims of sexual assault. The emergency hotline is also prepared to connect with important resources such as local healthcare facilities and information on reporting the assault to the local criminal authorities.When you call the HOPE hotline, your call will be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization (based on the first six digits of your phone number). When calling in on a cellular phone, there will be an option to enter your ZIP code (to more accurately route you to the nearest local sexual assault service provider).
One option for reaching out for support is to call a victim crisis hotline, such as theNational Sexual Assault (RAINN) Hotlineat Call 800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN has specially trained operators who are experienced in working with victims of sexual assault. The emergency hotline is also prepared to connect with important resources such as local healthcare facilities and information on reporting the assault to the local criminal authorities.
When you call the HOPE hotline, your call will be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization (based on the first six digits of your phone number). When calling in on a cellular phone, there will be an option to enter your ZIP code (to more accurately route you to the nearest local sexual assault service provider).
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Although, many people who have been sexually assaulted may initially hesitate to pursue professional medical care, it is highly advised to go to a hospital or medical rape center after an assault. The decision to seek medical attention is ultimately the choice that each survivor must make for themselves, according to their own emotional, physical and psychological needs. But there are many benefits of seeking immediate medical attention, including:
Deciding to go forward with obtaining a rape kit can be a very big step after a sexual assault; this is because it is an action step that solidifies the fact that the sexual assault really did occur, and it proclaims the truth to self and others. This action step may help a person break through some of the denial that is often part of the aftermath of a sexual assault. When a person is in a state of denial, not only does the denial create an obstacle to seeking medical care, it may also make it harder to take other important action steps in the recovery process.
When a person decides to pursue legal action against a perpetrator of sexual assault, it’s important to refrain from taking a shower, combing one’s hair, changing clothes. or urinating before getting a rape kit. These actions may destroy physical evidence.
Step 4: Process the Experience
After a sexual assault experience, there is often a very strong urge to put the event on the back burner, avoiding processing the entire incident. But it’s vital to address it. This means learning healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the emotions and psychological impact that a sexual assault often has on a person.
Klein says, “Healing doesn’t happen through avoidance. You can’t go around it, over it, or under it. You have to go through it.” Healthy coping mechanisms may involve writing about the incident, talking about it (processing it) with someone else, getting professional counseling, or more.
Although not everyone will need professional counseling after a sexual assault, there is a high risk that various emotional issues and psychological reactions may occur. Such issues may include:
If counseling is a course of action that is decided upon, it’s important to find a professional who is specially trained to work with those who have been sexually assaulted. Mental health treatment (therapy) can help a person who has been sexually assaulted to break through denial, remember traumatic events, and more. Therapy is aimed at decreasing the overall negative psychological effects of experiencing trauma.
Step 5: Consider Your Legal Options
Seeking legal action may seem like the obvious course of action after a sexual assault happens. But, it’s much more complicated. Many people who have been sexually assaulted are confused (partially due to the emotional toll that sexual assault often takes on a person). They may be very reluctant to report the assault right away, this may be partially due to the fact that sexual assaults commonly involve a person that the victim knows. In fact, according to theCenter for Family Justice8 out of 10 sexual assaults involve the victim knowing the attacker and approximately 6 out of 10 rape cases occur in the victim’s home (or in the home of the victim’s friend or relative).
These statistics, involving such a high percentage of victims who know their assaulter (and are often well acquainted with friends and family members of the perpetrator) is one reason that victims of sexual assault often experience a very high level of shame, anxiety, and fear of what others will think. This is particularly the case when a victim of sexual assault considers whether to pursue legal action. Another factor that often dissuades a victim from reporting a rape is the thought of having to testify in front of the perpetrator in court.
Step 6: Reconnect With Community and Friends
Group therapy is one way to reconnect; it may help to reduce or alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall psychological and emotional well-being. A group facilitator who specializes in group therapy for those who have been sexually assaulted is recommended. Establishing a supportive community (group) that fully understands what a sexual assault victim has gone through often helps victims in their long-term recovery.
Other suggestions for reconnecting after a sexual assault include getting involved in social activities, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. Consider taking a class, joining a local gym, or participating in a social event at work, even if you initially don’t feel like being social.
Step 7: Engage in Ongoing Self-care
Alcohol is considered a depressant and it can interfere with the normal emotional healing process and is known to worsen symptoms of trauma (such as anger, depression, and social isolation).Many therapists recommend abstaining altogether from alcohol use during therapy.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Avoid the temptation to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Substance use worsens many symptoms of trauma, including emotional numbing, social isolation, anger, and depression.It also interferes with treatment and can contribute to problems at home and in your relationships.
Statistics
Learning about the statistics pertaining to the number of people who experience sexual abuse or assault may help those who have gone through similar trauma to know that they are not alone. Knowing the facts may also help to alleviate some of the self-blame or guilt that often follows a sexual assault. There are some surprising facts involving regarding sexual assault and sexual abuse in the U.S. According to the Center for Family Justice, these include:
Additional Steps to Recovery
Other steps to recovery from sexual assault may include:
What Is a SANE Exam?
A Word From Verywell
Keep in mind that recovering from sexual assault or abuse usually takes time; it’s a process that is not always the same for each person. For some people, recovery may take weeks or months; for others, recovery may involve years. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many others have, unfortunately, been faced with having to walk a similar path to recovery. Reach out, connect with those who have been there and perhaps most importantly, be gentle on yourself. Allow yourself to do the things you need to do and to take the time that you need to navigate your recovery process.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.Sexual assault.End Violence Against Women International.Understanding the neurobiology of trauma and implications for interviewing victims.Nöthling J, Lammers K, Martin L, Seedat S.Traumatic dissociation as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in South African female rape survivors.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(16):e744. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000744Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Sexual assault.Gong AT, Kamboj SK, Curran HV.Post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual assault With pre-assault substance consumption: A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:92. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00092Regehr C, Alaggia R, Dennis J, Pitts A, Saini M.Interventions to reduce distress in adult victims of rape and sexual violence: a systematic review.Campbell Syst Rev. 2013;9(1):1-133. doi:10.4073/csr.2013.3Center for Family Justice.Statistics.Smith M., Segal J.Recovering from rape and sexual trauma.International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.Traumatic stress and substance abuse problems.Additional ReadingRAINN.About the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.Six things to do after you’ve been sexually assaulted.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.Sexual assault.End Violence Against Women International.Understanding the neurobiology of trauma and implications for interviewing victims.Nöthling J, Lammers K, Martin L, Seedat S.Traumatic dissociation as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in South African female rape survivors.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(16):e744. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000744Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Sexual assault.Gong AT, Kamboj SK, Curran HV.Post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual assault With pre-assault substance consumption: A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:92. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00092Regehr C, Alaggia R, Dennis J, Pitts A, Saini M.Interventions to reduce distress in adult victims of rape and sexual violence: a systematic review.Campbell Syst Rev. 2013;9(1):1-133. doi:10.4073/csr.2013.3Center for Family Justice.Statistics.Smith M., Segal J.Recovering from rape and sexual trauma.International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.Traumatic stress and substance abuse problems.Additional ReadingRAINN.About the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.Six things to do after you’ve been sexually assaulted.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.Sexual assault.End Violence Against Women International.Understanding the neurobiology of trauma and implications for interviewing victims.Nöthling J, Lammers K, Martin L, Seedat S.Traumatic dissociation as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in South African female rape survivors.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(16):e744. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000744Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Sexual assault.Gong AT, Kamboj SK, Curran HV.Post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual assault With pre-assault substance consumption: A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:92. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00092Regehr C, Alaggia R, Dennis J, Pitts A, Saini M.Interventions to reduce distress in adult victims of rape and sexual violence: a systematic review.Campbell Syst Rev. 2013;9(1):1-133. doi:10.4073/csr.2013.3Center for Family Justice.Statistics.Smith M., Segal J.Recovering from rape and sexual trauma.International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.Traumatic stress and substance abuse problems.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.Sexual assault.
End Violence Against Women International.Understanding the neurobiology of trauma and implications for interviewing victims.
Nöthling J, Lammers K, Martin L, Seedat S.Traumatic dissociation as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in South African female rape survivors.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(16):e744. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000744
Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Sexual assault.
Gong AT, Kamboj SK, Curran HV.Post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual assault With pre-assault substance consumption: A systematic review.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:92. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00092
Regehr C, Alaggia R, Dennis J, Pitts A, Saini M.Interventions to reduce distress in adult victims of rape and sexual violence: a systematic review.Campbell Syst Rev. 2013;9(1):1-133. doi:10.4073/csr.2013.3
Center for Family Justice.Statistics.
Smith M., Segal J.Recovering from rape and sexual trauma.
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.Traumatic stress and substance abuse problems.
RAINN.About the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.Six things to do after you’ve been sexually assaulted.
RAINN.About the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.Six things to do after you’ve been sexually assaulted.
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