Guest Writer Series: Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm excited to introduce our new Guest Writer Series, which will feature posts from other experts and professionals on various topics as they relate to mental health. Our first guest writer is Lauren DeBose, LCSW. Lauren is an alum of the University of Oklahoma and is currently a counselor in Fort Worth; she has previously worked for the Rape Crisis Victims Services Department at The Women's Center of Tarrant County. We are so happy to have Lauren here to share some information about sexual assault with us! Lauren, take it away!

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Hello all!

​April is a busy month for spreading awareness on so many different issues, one of which is Sexual Assault.
 
This topic has been so popular in the news and social media lately, due largely in part to the #MeToo movement. This phrase has been posted by numerous Hollywood celebrities and citizens of all ages along with a photo or story of their personal experience with sexual assault and/or sexual harassment. While talking about the assault that happened is painful for some, others feel empowered through sharing their story, bringing it to light, and helping other survivors feel supported.
 
#TimesUp is also trending at this time; this movement aims to spread awareness about sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace. Industries of all kinds have to look at their own policies and procedures when realizing how big of an issue this has become.
 
In my job, as a counselor who works with children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, I have seen firsthand how this massive social issue impacts not only adults, but also children from all backgrounds. It is not a woman’s issue or a University/college issue.
 
I would like to provide a little more information on what we are dealing with here and how you can help someone if they are victimized or have been victimized in the past.
 
What is Sexual Assault?
To begin understanding the depth of this issue in our country, we must define the problem. There are multiple scientific and/or legal definitions for what counts as sexual assault; however, the simple definition I prefer to use is “anything unwanted."

Unwanted touches, grabbing, groping, and/or words can all be categorized as sexual assault.

People often associate the words “sexual assault” with “rape.” While rape is certainly sexual assault, it does not always have to go that far to be considered inappropriate, illegal, or harmful.
 
How often is it happening and to whom?
Sexual assault can happen to ANYONE, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, age, or education level.
 
According to RAINN, “every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 8 minutes that victim is a child.” (If that statistic does not alarm you, I am not sure what will!)
 
In addition, sources state that adolescents and young adults are at the highest risk of sexual assault.
 
Majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows, not a stranger jumping out of the bush. (Yes, this does happen, but is much more rare.)
 
And though men and boys can AND are sexually assaulted, RAINN found that 9 out of 10 victims of rape are female.
 
How does Sexual Assault Impact Survivors?
Many survivors experience guilt, shame, fear, depression, sadness, anger, flashbacks, nightmares, eating disorders, sleeping problems, substance abuse, self-harming behaviors, or suicidal thoughts.
 
Who is to blame for sexual assault?
The perpetrator.
Survivors of sexual assault should never be blamed for what happened to them. Factors such as use of alcohol or drug-related substances, clothing choices, where they were, or who they were with at the time of the assault are not criminalizing nor do they excuse the offenders’ behavior!
 
How to Help a Sexual Assault Survivor
Believe them. Understand that reporting a sexual assault to anyone is difficult and survivors need to know they will be believed, especially by people in their support system. Avoid BLAMING questions/statements.

Support them. Aim to provide as much support as you can, without pressuring the survivor to do anything they do not want to do.

Help them understand that it is not their fault. If a survivor voices feelings of guilt or shame, help them understand that nobody asks to be assaulted and that the blame is the perpetrator’s alone.

Understand that not every survivor will want to report it. Reporting can be tough for survivors for many reasons, including shame, fear of retaliation, fear of not being believed, or fear of getting into trouble with law enforcement for unrelated issues. It is always the survivor’s choice on whether to report the assault or not.
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Offer resources. Become knowledgeable of services available to survivors such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673) and online.rainn.org. In addition, there are numerous local agencies and organizations dedicated to helping survivors heal. Some of the services provided include, but are not limited to, sexual assault examinations, individual counseling, case management, support groups, and legal aid for those wanting to press charges.
 
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, but there is hope for healing.
 
https://www.rainn.org/
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