April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault refers to sexual behavior that occurs without the clear consent of the victim. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), this includes:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts
• Sex without consent or sexual acts continuing after consent has been revoked.

1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Women in college are 3 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than women in general, 1 in 2 transgender people are victims of sexual assault and Indigenous peoples are 2 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault compared to other races.

How does sexual assault impact mental health?

Sexual assault can have short and long-term effects on the victim’s mental health. Many survivors report flashbacks of their assault, and feelings of shame, isolation, shock, confusion, and guilt. Victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for developing the following: depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

How can you support a loved one who has been a victim of sexual assault?

1.) Express care and concern – here are four messages that you can say that may help:

• I believe you.
• The assault was not your fault.
• Help is available.
• You are not alone.

2.) Believe them – make it clear you believe the assault happened and assure them it is not their fault. Never ask “why” questions.

3.) Give them the space they need – let the survivor tell you how they feel and give them the space to share their story, but without feeling like they have to.

4.) Let them know they do not have to go through this alone – provide appropriate resources and support them in contacting the Sexual Assault Crisis Line and/or other supports to access medical attention, available resources, and information.

5.) Encourage immediate medical attention – sexual assault victims ideally should seek medical attention within the first 24-36 hours after the assault, as they could have unknown internal or external injuries. In addition, hospital staff such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) are trained to collect, preserve, and document any physical evidence of the assault.

6.) Give the victim a sense of control – all control has been taken away from the victim. Help empower the survivor by allowing them to make decisions about what steps they want to take next.

7.) Take care of yourself and recognized your own limitations – recognize that hearing about sexual assault can be very difficult and you are going to have your own feelings, such as sadness and anger, about what has happened. This is normal, please be kind to yourself.

8.) Be patient and understanding – the trauma from sexual assault does not go away quickly, be patient in supporting your friend through this difficult time.