Inappropriately sexual conversations or comments about your body Showing you sexual imagery (such as porn or naked photos) Taking or sharing explicit photos of you Spying or repeatedly bursting into the room when you are changing or showering Touching you sexually, making you touch them sexually, or making you touch someone else sexually while they watch Pressuring you to do sexual activities with them (e. g. guilting you or using threats) Taking sexual advantage of you while you are drunk or drugged Denying you contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases
Consent must be given freely. If someone gives in to pressure, threats, or coercion, then that is not real consent. Dating and marriage don’t equal constant consent to sexual activity. It counts as sexual abuse if your partner/spouse is doing things to you without your consent. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source Children can’t consent because they are too young to understand. People with major intellectual disabilities also may be unable to consent.
responding with fear to reminders of the assault feeling anxious and unsafe having flashbacks of the assault having problems with concentration ongoing feelings of guilt, anger, and/or depression having a poor self-image having problems with relationships losing interest in sex
injuring self (cutting, burning) having poor personal hygiene abusing drugs and/or alcohol behaving in a sexually promiscuous manner running away from home showing signs of depression or anxiety making suicide attempts seeming to have a fear of intimacy or closeness changes in appetite, such as dieting or compulsive eating
changes in sleeping pattern or sleep disturbances, such as nightmares drastic changes is eating patterns or appetite sudden mood swings drops hints about abuse through playing, writing, drawing, or speaking develops a fear of a certain person or place talks about a new older friend and/or refuses to share secrets that he/she has with this person receives money, gifts, or toys from someone for no reason being repulsed by themselves or their body seems to have adult knowledge of sexual behaviors
There are online resources available to help you make a safety plan. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Domestic Violence Hotline Organization providing lifesaving tools, support, and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse Go to source [10] X Research source
“I need to talk about something difficult. Uncle Jacob has been sending me these upsetting texts about sex. I feel so dirty and uncomfortable any time he messages me. He keeps asking me to go somewhere alone with him and I’m scared. Can I show you the messages?” “My coach has been making all these inappropriate comments about my body. The first time she emailed me an adult video, I thought it was a mistake and I ignored it. But she sent me two more and said they made her think of me. " “My boyfriend gets mad at me if I say no to sex and I’m scared. "
Safe Path: 608-392-7804 or 800-362-5454 ext. 7804. Safe Path services are free and confidential. National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN: To be connected to the rape crisis center nearest to you, dial 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). [12] X Trustworthy Source United States Department of Justice Official website of the U. S. Department of Justice Go to source National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 1-877-739-3895. [13] X Trustworthy Source United States Department of Justice Official website of the U. S. Department of Justice Go to source
A mental health counselor or therapist can lend you a supportive ear and provide various techniques to help you overcome the effects of any trauma that you might be holding on to. Domestic violence organizations often have counseling services to help victims of domestic violence situations and sexual assault.
Abusers choose to abuse other people. No matter how vulnerable or foolish you might have been, they chose to take advantage of you. They could have chosen to keep you safe, but they didn’t. Abusers can play mind games. They might convince you of things that are wrong, and make you believe that you are undeserving of love and care.
Imagine if a friend was going through the same thing. Think of the time it would take them to recover, and what you would say to them. Try to extend this empathy to yourself.
Try to get enough sleep. Keep a reasonable bedtime. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to a doctor. Try to eat 3 meals per day, plus snacks as needed. Aim for mostly healthy food and try to fill at least 1/3 of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Put healthy snacks on the shopping list. Get daily exercise, even if it’s as small as a walk around the block. Moving your body keeps it healthy.
Accept invitations to events, even if it feels awkward and difficult at first. Don’t wait to be invited somewhere. Take the initiative and call someone. Take part in campus and community organizations, residence hall or campus events, or family get-togethers. Strike up a conversation with the person next to you in class or at a local gathering. You could be introducing yourself to a new friend. Talk about things that interest other people. Be an alert listener.
If you are pressing charges for rape or domestic abuse, choose a lawyer to help you navigate the legal matters. If you have an STI or injuries, choose a doctor that can help you find treatment. For emotional recovery, choose a counselor to help you work through it. Consider exercise or self-defense training to help you regain confidence and feel more secure.
