Speak
This page is dedicated to ALL victims of sexual assault, from the least physically severe and damaging to the most violent.
The purpose of this page is to raise awareness about sexual assault---to bring an uncomfortable subject out into the open. On this page will be an on going list of links to the resources for people who have experienced sexual assault as well as to show everyone else the ways in which they can support victims and spread awareness of this world wide problem.
The purpose of this page is to raise awareness about sexual assault---to bring an uncomfortable subject out into the open. On this page will be an on going list of links to the resources for people who have experienced sexual assault as well as to show everyone else the ways in which they can support victims and spread awareness of this world wide problem.
MotivationPart of motivation for creating this page is in response to an alarming attitude I have seen displayed by both men and woman about rape reported in the media. While a majority of people seem to display sympathy for the plight of those who have experienced sexual assault, I have been disturbed to discover that many people of both sexes blame the victim and excuse the perpetrator. There is an alarming double standard even in our modern American society.
What I find extremely disturbing is that the same action that has been used to excuse the perpetrator has also been used to condemn the victim. For instance, if a man takes advantage of woman when he is drunk, there are many people who are quick to excuse his actions because "He didn't know any better in his intoxicated state. He's really a good person and he would never purposely hurt someone that way." That may well be true, but many times those same people are equally as quick to say of a drunk woman, "She should have known that would happen. It's her own fault. She chose to get drunk." I want to take this moment to say emphatically that there is NEVER an excuse that justifies a person committing sexual assault. Beyond that, in our society, rape and sexual assault remain subjects that the general population find very uncomfortable and because of that, the subject is largely avoided. For a society that glorifies sex and sexuality in movies, television, music, and magazines, why can't we be more open about the issue of non-consensual sex? It is important for us as a society and as human beings to be more willing to open our eyes and ears to the stories of people who have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual assault. This is a huge problem in our world today: from the more invasive forms of sexual harassment all the way to the widespread existence of sex slavery in America and abroad. Closing our eyes to a harsh truth does not make it go away. It only leaves victims isolated and leaves open the potential for more damage in the future. This One's For the BoysAnother prevalent problem facing victims of sexual assault is that society tends to focus their attention on female victims of this horrible crime, but many victims are male (especially in cases of childhood sexual abuse). If we are going to help the victims of sexual assault, we need to recognize ALL victims--male and female.
Sexual assault is as emotionally scarring for boys and men as it is for women and, like females, males need and deserve to find support to help them transform from victims to survivors. There are a number of myths about sexual assault where a boy or man is the victim--it is myths like these that further alienate male victims and create in them a greater reluctance to share their stories and seek help. The Psychological Effects of Male Rape :an article by a qualified therapist from the UK. I am adding a list of seven common myths for the readers' edification (copied from MALESURVIVOR.ORG -- Please visit their Myths and Facts page to see the facts associated with each myth): Myth #1 - Boys and men can't be victims. Myth #2 - Most sexual abuse of boys is perpetrated by homosexual males. Myth #3 - If a boy experiences sexual arousal or orgasm from abuse, this means he was a willing participant or enjoyed it. Myth #4 - Boys are less traumatized by the abuse experience than girls. Myth #5 - Boys abused by males are or will become homosexual. Myth #6 - The "Vampire Syndrome" that is, boys who are sexually abused, like the victims of Count Dracula, go on to "bite" or sexually abuse others. Myth #7 - If the perpetrator is female, the boy or adolescent should consider himself fortunate to have been initiated into heterosexual activity. Sexual Assault is Never OkayWhat constitutes as sexual assault?
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, any of the following examples are considered to be sexual assault:
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Why Speak?As mentioned in the home page, this page is named for "Speak," the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson which deals with the difficult subject of rape committed by and too young people. Though the novel concerns the fictional story of one high school girl, I believe that every one can gain something from reading it if you open your mind to truly listen to Melinda. The story may be fictional, by the situation and emotions are real for millions of people around the world. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend taking the time to read it.
The reason I choose to name this page for the book is because I hope to encourage people to Speak out against sexual assault whether it is by telling their own stories or to spread the word about organizations that help victims of sexual crimes.
To learn how you can help current victims of sexual assault become survivors click the links to RAINN.
Information from The National Center for Victims of CrimeDefinition of Sexual Assault:"Sexual assault takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's consent." (National Center for Victims of Crime) Possible Physical Effects of Sexual Assault
Pain Injuries Nausea Vomiting Headaches . Possible Emotional/Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault Shock/denial Irritability/anger Depression Social withdrawal Numbing/apathy (detachment, loss of caring) Restricted affect (reduced ability to express emotions) Nightmares/flashbacks Difficulty concentrating Diminished interest in activities or sex Loss of self-esteem Loss of security/loss of trust in others Guilt/shame/embarrassment Impaired memory Loss of appetite Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide and death) Substance Abuse Psychological disorders . Possible Physiological Effects of Sexual Assault Hypervigilance (always being "on your guard") Insomnia Exaggerated startle response (jumpiness) Panic attacks Eating problems/disorders Self-mutilation (cutting, burning or otherwise hurting oneself) Sexual dysfunction (not being able to perform sexual acts) Hyperarousal (exaggerated feelings/responses to stimuli) |