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Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault - Should You Tell?

Provided by PDR.net

Despite volumes of scientific evidence proving that rape is an act of assault, many people—jurors, professionals, and even attackers themselves—hold on to a false belief that the victim is somehow at fault. For these people, rape is a purely sexual act. They believe the woman, through her dress and behavior, must surely have provoked the assault, and that she merely got what she asked for. Of course, that's not true. One study found that more than 50 percent of rape survivors did not physically try to resist their victims, not because they were enjoying the attack, but out of fear of being more seriously injured or even killed. Less than 20 percent had dared to fight back.

Rape is not just an act of sex. It is an act of violence and aggression in which one person attempts to exert absolute control and domination over another. Women who flirt are not asking to be attacked. Rape victims are not "bad girls." They're pretty and unattractive, thin and overweight, healthy and disabled, very young and very old.

The fact that you did not fight back during a rape does not mean that you encouraged or enjoyed it. Even a spontaneous orgasm is not a sign of consent, it's simply a biological response.

At a time like this you need the support of your family and friends. But even though they mean well, they may not be there for you. Those closest to you may be so enraged over the mere fact that the assault could have happened that they lash out in all directions. They may even turn their anger on you. Some may say you "got what you deserved." Others may suspect you of lying about your role in the attack.

Only about 1 in 10 rapes is reported to the police. If the attacker was someone you know, making a report can be especially troubling. Fortunately, many police officers are especially trained to help you through this difficult time, so don't be afraid to tell them your story.