THE WOMENSPEAK FOUNDATION
Educating The Public and Empowering Women To Speak Out Against Violent Acts
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Sexual Violence may have devastating negative effects on victims. Victims are likely to experience mental and emotional instability, suffer from low self- esteem, experience a decrease or disturbance in cognitive functioning, as well as suffer from long term psychological and physiological problems. Many victims of Sexual Violence develop a post-traumatic stress syndrome that has been referred to as Rape Trauma Syndrome. Symptoms can include fear, helplessness, shock and disbelief, guilt, humiliation and embarrassment, anger, self-blame, flashbacks of the rape, avoidance of previously pleasurable activities, avoidance of the place or circumstance in which the rape occurred, depression, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and impaired memory. (American Medical Association. Sexual Assault in American . November 6, 1995).
The WomenSPEAK Foundation recognizes the struggles that are faced by victims of such trauma and realizes that the journey to recovery and healing is unique. WSFI seeks to assist surviving victims of sexual violence through both traditional and nontraditional therapies to help women rediscover their voice and reclaim their dignity.
What Is Sexual Violence?
Sexual Violence is an act that is forced upon a victim against their will that is unwanted or not consented to.Sexual Violence occurs when one individual forces another into sexual acts. This may involve touching, fondling, contact between the mouth and EITHER the victim’s or abusers “private parts” (genital area), and putting body parts or objects in the victim’s body (mouth, genitals, anus). Terms included in sexual violence are:
Rape
Acquaintance Rape
Date Rape
Marital Rape
Sexual Rape
Incest
Who Are Perpetrators of Sexual Violence?
Individuals who commit this type of crime can be strangers. However, it is more common for victims to be assaulted by someone they are familiar with. This is because trust already exists, or is easier to obtain which makes a potential victim vulnerable to the perpetrator. Perpetrators can be any of the following:
Family Members
Romantic Partners
Friends
Dates
Acquaintances
Important Facts About Sexual Violence
Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any age, race, gender, and socioeconomic background -- at any time or any place
Sexual Violence is a crime motivated by a need to humiliate, control, and harm. Perpetrators use sexual violence as tool to hurt and dominate others.
The perpetrator IS responsible. It is common for the victim to blame themselves, just as common is the perpetrator also will shift responsibility to the victim. The choice and responsibility of forced sexual belongs to the perpetrator NOT THE VICTIM.
Sexual Violence can be initiated through threats to the victim, intimidation, and/or manipulation. Although the force of sexual acts in itself is violent enough, perpetrators seek to control their victims and in a lot of cases ALSO result to physical attacks that can lead to physical injuries such as:
Bruises and Swelling
Soreness in the genital area and any part of the body
Cuts and Gashes
Broken Bones
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Unconsciousness
Death