SEXUAL
ASSAULT
Sexual violence is a crime and it includes any act (verbal or physical) which breaks a person’s trust and is sexual in nature.
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1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
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Sexual assault happens and it’s not the survivor’s fault.
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If you are interested in receiving a presentation or awareness event from The Bridge to Hope, please call
715-235-9074 or email manager@thebridgetohope.org for more information.
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What are my options if I have been sexually assaulted?
If possible, ask a trusted friend to be with you for moral support.​​Preserve all evidence of the attack. Do not bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, eat, or smoke. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the perpetrator.
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Seek safety/shelter away from the perpetrator.
02.
Seek Medical Attention
03.
Contact Support Organizations
04.
Consider Reporting the Assault
05.
Seek Counseling and Legal Advice
Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Women (and other individuals who can get pregnant) may also be at risk for pregnancy. If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected to preserve evidence.
Reach out to hotlines and local crisis centers (such as The Bridge to Hope) for emotional support and guidance. Crisis centers can provide information on the nearest medical facility, and in some instances, send an advocate to accompany you through the evidence collection process.
If you decide to report a sexual assault, you can contact law enforcement to begin a criminal investigation, which includes filing a report, a detailed interview, and possibly a forensic exam. Students can report to campus security or a Title IX coordinator for additional support. Law enforcement may prosecute if enough evidence is found, and victim advocates can provide emotional support and resources throughout the process.
Seeking counseling and legal advice is crucial after a sexual assault. A trauma therapist can provide emotional support and coping strategies, while legal consultation with a specialized lawyer helps clarify your rights and options for pursuing justice. Support groups and victim advocates offer additional resources and support tailored to survivors' needs, aiding both emotional healing and navigating legal pathways effectively.
Know that what happened was not your fault. Recognize that healing from an attack takes time. Give yourself the time you need and know that it is never too late to get help.
*Information based on the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website
What can I do to support someone who has been sexually assaulted?
Listen and Believe
​Create a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share their experience. Listen actively and without interrupting, allowing them to express their emotions and thoughts at their own pace. Validate their feelings by acknowledging their pain and courage. Reassure them that the assault was not their fault and that their feelings are completely valid and normal. Your empathetic listening can help them feel heard and understood, which is crucial for their emotional healing.
Provide Resources
Offer information about available resources that can help them in their recovery process. This includes contact details for local sexual assault hotlines, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE), counseling services, and medical facilities where they can receive care and support. Help them explore their options for reporting the assault if they choose to do so. Providing these resources empowers them to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Respect Their Choices
Respect their choices and decisions regarding how they want to proceed. Some may want to seek legal action, while others may prefer to focus on their emotional recovery. Avoid pressuring them into taking any specific action and instead offer your support for whatever they decide. Help them create a safety plan if they feel threatened or unsafe. Your role is to provide support and encouragement, ensuring they feel empowered and in control of their healing journey.
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