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About this information pack
This information pack is for women and men (over 16) who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
If you are under 16 or the parent/carer of a young person under 16, section 4 gives a list of agencies you can contact for information and support.
It has been put together using the questions which people who have been raped and sexually assaulted often ask. It gives information about:
- How rape or sexual assault might affect you
- How to look after your health if you are sexually assaulted
- How the legal process works if you report the assault
- Where to get support or more information
Rape and sexual assault affect everyone differently. How you react and what you decide to do next depend on what happened, the type of person you are, whether you have the support of family or friends, and the other circumstances of your life.
Whether the assault happened recently or a long time ago, whether you have been assaulted once or often, whether you know the person who assaulted you or not, and how safe you feel are just some of the factors which might also affect your response.
It usually helps if you have some idea of what to expect and how to get support if you want this. That is what this pack aims to give you.
The pack is mainly about recent sexual assault. But many people have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault when they were children. If you are sexually assaulted as an adult, this can re-awaken strong feelings and reactions about what happened to you as a child. Reading material like this pack can also remind you about childhood abuse. The effects of a recent sexual assault can be very distressing and it is important that you get good help and support. For more information on where to get this see section 4.
The pack contains a lot of information. It has been designed so you can dip into it rather than read through from beginning to end. Some of it may not be relevant for you now but maybe useful in time. If you need more information or if there is anything you do not understand, you can contact any of the agencies listed in section 4.
It may also be helpful for you to show the pack to family, friends or others so they have a better idea of what you are going through and how they might help.
There are many people who are there to help you whether you want to talk about what's happened or want practical help with a medical or legal matter. Many agencies were involved in putting this information pack together. They are keen to make sure that you get any help you need.
The pack is written as clearly as possible. Some legal and medical terms are included because you may come across these. These are explained when used and there is a list of meanings in section 5.
If there is anything you do not understand, please speak to the person who gave you this pack.
About rape and sexual assault
Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes which can have a devastating affect.
There are legal definitions for these crimes and they are very precise ( see here). You can use any words you like to describe what happened to you. What you have experienced may not fit the legal definitions but can be just as upsetting and frightening.
Whatever words are used, rape and sexual assault are wrong. They are an assault on your body, your mind and your dignity.
Who can be affected
Rape and sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone. People often ask 'why me?', but there is no answer to that question. Women, men, babies, elderly people, and all ages in between have been sexually assaulted. People are most likely to be raped or sexual assaulted by someone they know, live with or date. Most victims of rape and sexual assault are women.
Sexual assault of men
Although fewer men than women are sexually assaulted, the effects are just as devastating. It may be very difficult for men to talk about what has happened because of the common view that men should be 'strong' and able to protect themselves or (in the case of men who are straight) because they think the assault has 'made them gay'. Because sexual assault of men is less common, they may not come forward because think they will not be believed. But men are affected and it is vital that they get the help they need.
Number of people who are raped/sexually assaulted
It is difficult to know how many people are affected because rape and sexual assault often happen in private. The most recent police records show that there were 1,161 reported rapes and attempted rapes (on women) and 1,508 indecent assaults (on men and women). There are likely to be many more that go unreported. Often, people who have been raped or sexually assaulted do not tell anyone what happened. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed, they may blame themselves and they may think that if they say anything they will not be believed. They may not really know what happened if they were unconscious or asleep at the time. Male victims may find it more difficult than women to come forward. People from ethnic minority communities, people who are disabled or those who are worried about their immigration status, people working in the sex industry or who are homeless or who are in some way disadvantaged may find it even harder to report.
When it happens
For some people, rape or sexual assault may be a single incident. Others may be assaulted, regularly or periodically, over a long period of time, for example by an abusive partner. Yet others may be assaulted by different people at different times in their lives.
Newspapers and television tend to show rape and sexual assault being carried out by strangers, at night, up a dark alley and involving force. In fact, most assaults are carried out by someone known to the victim. This includes sexual partners, casual acquaintances, family members and others. Most rapes are committed indoors, usually in the home. Rape and sexual assault are often part of domestic abuse, alongside physical and emotional abuse, and one in seven women is raped in marriage. However, many people who experience domestic abuse find the sexual violence the most difficult aspect to speak about.
Being violated by someone you know does not make the crime less distressing or more acceptable. In fact, it is a terrible breach of trust. Forced sex within a relationship is sexual assault and is still a crime.
Adults who have suffered sexual assault in childhood
Many people have experienced sexual abuse as children. If this happened to you, being sexually assaulted as an adult can re-awaken memories and feelings about what happened to you as a child. The effects of a recent sexual assault may be extremely distressing and may result in frightening symptoms such as flashbacks or panic attacks. This is an absolutely natural reaction and is NOT a sign of weakness. Section 4 gives details of services you can contact for help. You can also find out more at www.survivorscotland.org.uk
What people think about rape and sexual assault
Unlike other crimes, some people think that those who have been raped or sexually assaulted are in some way responsible for what has happened because of their lifestyle, for example by putting themselves in a particular situation, previous sexual history, drinking alcohol or wearing revealing clothing. These views are wrong. They may also think that if a person did not struggle they must have agreed to or enjoyed it. But a common reaction to a shocking situation is to freeze. Many people do not fight back because they think this may make things even worse. Lack of physical injury does not mean that the sexual assault was any less serious or damaging or in any way invited.
What people read or see in the media might encourage these beliefs.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you might also believe these things. It may help to know that:
- Rape and sexual assault are serious crimes
- The attacker is responsible for the rape/sexual assault. The attacker always has a choice
- Rape/sexual assault is never the victim's fault
- You do not have to put up with such violence
- You can live your life in any way you want. This does not mean you deserve to be raped or sexually assaulted
- Any sexual activity should always involve equal agreement between two people
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