What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity or behavior forced upon an individual without their consent. This encompasses a range of actions, including but not limited to, rape, groping, and molestation. It is a deeply invasive violation of personal autonomy and can occur regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. Consent must be given freely and clearly for any sexual activity; absence of consent transforms the act into assault.
Where Does Sexual Assault Most Likely Occur?
Sexual assault can happen in various settings, but it most commonly occurs in familiar environments such as homes, schools, workplaces, or social gatherings. Assault can also happen while you’re traveling, such as taking public transportation or even the safer alternative of ridesharing. The majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, which can be a family member, friend, coworker, or acquaintance. And yes, it can also happen between partners, especially if it is a toxic relationship.
Public places like parks or streets can also be settings for assault, though these instances are less frequent compared to assaults by known individuals in private spaces.
What is Sexual Assault in the First Degree?
Sexual assault in the first degree is considered the most severe form of sexual assault. It typically involves sexual penetration or contact with a minor under a certain age, or situations where the victim is incapacitated, physically helpless, or unable to give consent due to mental or physical condition. This degree of assault often results in harsher legal penalties due to the severity and the circumstances surrounding the act.
Can Sexual Assault Be Verbal?
Yes, sexual assault can be verbal. Verbal sexual assault involves making unwanted sexual comments, threats, or advances. It includes sexually explicit remarks, catcalling, and coercive statements aimed at intimidating, degrading, or manipulating someone into sexual activity. Verbal assault can be just as damaging as physical assault, leading to significant emotional and psychological trauma.
Can Sexual Assault Be Online?
Absolutely. Online sexual assault is increasingly prevalent in the digital age. This includes activities such as sending unsolicited explicit images, engaging in cyberstalking, making threatening sexual advances, or coercing someone into sexual acts via digital communication platforms. The anonymity and reach of the internet can amplify the impact of these assaults, making them particularly distressing for victims.
The Impact of Sexual Assault on Victims
Now let’s explore the profound change it can do to survivors of sexual assault. We will also be sharing the story of Yona*, 33, a PhD candidate at a prestigious university in England.
How Sexual Assault Affects Victims
Sexual assault can have profound and lasting effects on victims, impacting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Victims may experience a wide range of reactions, including shock, fear, anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of helplessness or shame. The trauma from the assault can disrupt daily functioning and alter one’s perception of safety and trust in the world.
Can Sexual Assault Cause PTSD?
Yes, sexual assault can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Victims of sexual assault may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the assault. These symptoms can be debilitating and may require professional intervention and therapy to manage.
For Yona, after her experience of sexual assault, she found it difficult to leave her house or hang out with friends. Her abuser is a friend whom she has known for sixteen years. This man was her lover briefly while they were in college.
“Aside from the actual experience, the betrayal of friendship is what’s bothering me too,” Yona said.
When Yona got home after the incident, she took a bath right away and refused to look at the clothes she was wearing the night before. She threw all items of clothes away, including her accessories. She said she couldn’t sleep in a certain position as well as it reminded her of how she was pinned down during the assault.
“I was very weak and I was technically asleep when most of the assault happened,” she told LoveVibes. She thought that her friend put something in her drink that caused her to feel weak. “At different times of the day, I would have flashbacks of what happened, at least, the bits I remember. It distracts me from my current studies and it’s very difficult to concentrate on anything.”
How Does It Affect the Brain of Victims?
Sexual assault can lead to significant changes in the brain. Trauma can affect brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, which are involved in processing emotions, memory, and decision-making. Victims might struggle with memory retention, emotional regulation, and stress response, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance.
For Yona, this has manifested in her being a shut-in in the next couple of months. She would not leave the house if she is going out by herself and she is far from her usual sociable self. “I don’t feel like going out so much anymore. Months later, I’m still struggling with remembering how it all even started,” she said.
How Can Assault Affect Survivors’ Future Relationships?
Survivors of sexual assault often face challenges in forming and maintaining future relationships. They might struggle with trust issues, intimacy, and emotional closeness. Fear of vulnerability or being hurt again can lead to emotional withdrawal or difficulty in establishing healthy sexual relationships. Survivors may require significant time and support to rebuild trust and feel safe in relationships again.
Changes in Behavior and Perception After Sexual Assault
Here are some common changes in behavior for survivors of such horrifying assaults.
Can Sexual Assault Cause Hypersexuality?
Sexual assault can lead to a range of sexual behaviors and responses. While some survivors might become sexually avoidant or develop aversion to sexual activity, others might exhibit hypersexuality. Hypersexuality can be a coping mechanism or a way to regain control over one’s body and sexual experiences. It’s important to recognize that responses vary widely and are deeply personal.
In the popular Netflix series Baby Reindeer, the main character became hypersexual after his experiences of abuse and stalking.
I started having reckless sex with people of all genders in this desperate pursuit of the truth. I would put myself in fucked-up situations where I’d almost risk being raped again in this attempt to understand the first time. Like if I’m passed around like a whore, then I might at least shed this idea that my body is part of me somehow. Like who cares if it happened before? It’s happened a ton of times so what does it matter?
Donny in Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd
It may be a way of taking control back of the experience, but this quote perfectly encapsulates the experience of victims.
Can Sexual Assault Be Accidental?
Sexual assault cannot be considered accidental. Assault involves intentional actions that disregard the victim’s consent and autonomy. The notion of an “accidental” sexual assault undermines the severity and intentional nature of the violation. Consent must be clear and unambiguous; without it, any sexual activity is considered assault.
For example, someone who is drunk or asleep cannot give proper consent even if they appear to be willing to engage in a sexual act. This is because they are not in the right state of mind to give said consent.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for sexual assault varies by jurisdiction. This legal timeframe determines how long a survivor has to report the assault and seek prosecution. It’s crucial for survivors to be aware of these limits and seek legal advice promptly.
Some jurisdictions have extended or removed the statute of limitations for certain types of sexual assault, recognizing the long-term impact of trauma on the reporting process.
For Yona, she is still planning her next move as her abuser is now living in a different country and this complicates the situation. “I would still need to consult a lawyer about my options but right now, I cannot deal with this as I want to be focused on my healing.”
Reporting Sexual Assault
If you are a survivor of assault or know someone who is, here is what you should do:
Where to Report Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, it’s important to seek help immediately. Here are some steps and resources:
- Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department to report the assault.
- Hospitals and Medical Centers: Seek medical attention for any physical injuries and to collect forensic evidence.
- Rape Crisis Centers and Hotlines: Organizations such as RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offer support, counseling, and resources.
- Campus Resources: If you are a student, your school may have specific resources or campus security.
- Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases to understand your rights and options.
Remember, seeking support and reporting the assault can be a critical step in your recovery and in preventing future assaults. Your voice and your experience matter.