Multiple-perpetrator sexual assault, sometimes called gang rape, occurs when two or more perpetrators act together to sexually assault the same victim.
After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.
In cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault, survivors often blame themselves. Remember—you are not to blame. You are the only one allowed to make choices for your body. Using drugs or alcohol is never an excuse for assault and does not mean that it was your fault.
The laws vary by state and situation, but you don’t have to be a legal expert to understand how consent plays out in real life.
Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted or abused may also face some additional challenges because of social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity.
When a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse.
Many perpetrators of sexual abuse are in a position of trust or responsible for the child’s care, such as a family member, teacher, clergy member, coach, or other children such as older siblings.
It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially if they are a friend or family member.
Military Sexual Trauma, or MST, is the term used by the Department of Veteran Affairs to describe the effects of sexual violence experienced by a military Service member.
During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.
After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards.
Dissociation is one of the many defense mechanisms the brain can use to cope with the trauma of sexual violence.
Sexual violence can affect survivors in many ways, including perceptions of the body and feelings of control.
Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.
Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on himself or herself, usually in secret.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.
Brainstorming ways to stay safe may help reduce the risk of future harm.
There are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who has been affected by sexual violence.
Sexual assault can take many different forms and be defined in different ways, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.