Sexual Assault

Women and young women from marginalized racial, sexual and socio-economicgroups are more vulnerable to being targeted for sexual harassment and sexual assault (Wolfe and Chiodo, CAMH, 2008). Women with low household incomes, low levels of education and/or who are unemployed are at higher risk of being sexually assaulted than women in general. (H. Johnson, 1996, Dangerous Domains: Violence Against Women in Canada). In addition, research indicates that 83% of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. (L. Stimpson and M. Best, 1991, Courage Above All: Sexual Assault against Women with Disabilities).

The incidence of sexual assault in Canada is astounding as are the conditions under which it occurs. Consider the following facts:

One of every 17 Canadian women is raped at some point in her life A woman is sexually assaulted by forced intercourse every 17 minutes in Canada Girls and young women between the ages of 15-24 are the most likely victims 80% of assaults happen in the victim’s home 70% of rapes are committed by a perpetrator who knows the victims (relative, friend, neighbour, colleague, or other acquaintance) Approximately one half of all rapes occur on dates 62% of victims are physically injured in the attack; 9% are beaten severely or disfigured Statistics Canada has found that one in four girls and one in eight boys have been sexually abused by the time they are eighteen. Source: Justice Institute of British Columbia

Our DCO Learning Forums video provides a window into understanding the impact of sexual assault on the survivor. The presenter, Heather Fredin is a counsellor with the Sexual Assault Centre London. She provides the viewer with a clear understanding of the various behaviours that can constitute sexual assault or sexual violence. Heather explains some of the effects of sexual violence on the individual,including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).She addresses various cultural myths and messages related to sexual violence. In addition, Heather emphasizes the importance of specific communication skills utilized by distress centre call responders when dealing with calls involving sexual violence. The video also highlights a variety of resources and supports that are available in communities, which can be useful referrals by those working on distress centre helplines.

Questions for Further Consideration:

1. Education is key in understanding sexual assault and working to prevent it. Are there some factors that are associated with a greater risk of perpetrating sexual violence?

Some factors are associated with a greater risk of perpetrating sexual violence however, the presence of these factors does not mean that sexual violence will occur. Some risk factors for perpetration (harm to someone else) include:

Using alcohol excessively Having sex at a young age Having sex without a personal connection and having sex with many different partners Acting without thinking and behaving in ways that are hostile, unfriendly and don’t consider the feelings of others Having friends that think it is ok to do sexual things with another person without their consent Witnessing or experiencing violence as a child Being exposed to social norms, or shared beliefs that sexual violence is acceptable Accepting false ideas about rape Reference: www.cdc.gov

1. As a distress centre call responder, it may be helpful to have an understanding of some of the emotions and feelings a sexual assault survivor may be experiencing. Is it possible to identify some of the initial emotions or reactions that an assault survivor may be experiencing?

Sexual violence is a traumatic violation of the body, mind and spirit. It profoundly affects a person’s health and well-being. Each person reacts in a unique way to sexual violence. Whether one experiences some or none of these feelings, each reaction is normal for each person. There is no right or wrong way to cope or feel after experiencing sexual violence. The reactions may last for several weeks. The survivor’s life may experience complete disruption. The following is an outline of the most common reactions for victims of sexual assault:

SHOCK — I feel so numb. Why am I so calm? Why can’t I cry? DISBELIEF — Did it really happen? Why me? EMBARRASSMENT — What will people think? No, I can’t tell my family. SHAME — I feel so dirty, like there is something wrong with me now. GUILT — I feel as if I did something to make this happen to me. If only I had…. DEPRESSION — How am I going to go on? I feel so tired and hopeless. POWERLESSNESS — Will I ever feel in control again? DISORIENTATION — I can’t sit still. I’m having trouble getting through the day. I’m just overwhelmed! RETRIGGERING — I keep having flashbacks. I wish they would stop. DENIAL — Wasn’t it just a rape? ANGER — I want to kill him [the perpetrator]. I want to hurt others, or myself. FEAR — I’m so afraid of so many things. Will I get pregnant or get a STD? Can people tell what’s happened to me? Will I ever want to be intimate again? Will I ever get over this? I’m afraid I’m going crazy. I have nightmares that terrify me. ANXIETY — I’m a nervous wreck! I have trouble breathing. (Anxiety is often expressed in physical symptoms like difficulty breathing or muscle tension, sleep disturbances, change in eating habits, nausea, stomach problems, nightmares and bed wetting.) A survivor’s physical and behavioural reactions (in addition to injury pain) include fatigue, headaches, loss of concentration, loss of appetite, nausea, sleep disturbances and nightmares.

Reference: Healing after a sexual assault - Recovery and Healing after a Sexual Assault - Rape Victims Support Network

1. Are there ways to validate the caller who discloses or attempts to disclose about a sexual assault when they call a distress centre helpline?

It is important to follow the guidelines set out by the distress centre. Be sure to discuss this with your training coordinator. It is always important to be a good listener. Recovering from a sexual assault can take a long time. The survivor may need support now and in the future. Let the survivor choose when they want to talk and how much they want to share. Should a caller become overwhelmed (i.e. highly anxious) when talking about an experience of sexual violence (recent or historical), offer permission to take a break from talking about the abuse. This may help the caller reduce their anxiety and pace their emotional work. Sometimes the survivor may not want to talk at all. When the survivor does choose to talk, here are some things to keep in mind:

DO concentrate on understanding the survivor’s feelings. DO allow silences. DO let the survivor know you are glad they disclosed to you. Do ask if they are safe right now. DON’T interrogate or ask for specific details about the sexual assault. DON’T ask “why” questions such as “why did you go there?” or “why didn’t you scream?” DON’T tell them what you would have done or what they should have done.
Glossary: Sexual Violence: Any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. (United Nations) Sexual violence is a broad term that describes a continuum of aggression, abuse and violence. It includes but is not limited to sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, (date, marital, partner, stranger, gang), ritual abuse, sexual harassment, incest, childhood sexual abuse, molestation, stalking, indecent/ sexualized exposure, degrading sexual imagery, voyeurism, exhibitionism, dissemination of sexual photographs electronically (cyber harassment), rape during armed conflict, trafficking and sexual exploitation. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Trauma Informed Care (TIC):Mental Health treatment that is directed by a thorough understanding of the profound neurological, biological, psychological and social effects of trauma and violence on the individual, and an appreciation for the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in persons who receive mental health treatment. Abuse is the leading cause of mental health issues for women. A Trauma informed approach asks: “what happened to you”, not “what’s wrong with you”. (Jennings, 2004)