Acts of sexual violence can be perpetrated by people who are known or unknown to the survivor. However, the National Institute of Justice reports about 80 percent of sexual violence is perpetrated by someone known to the survivor. Sexual violence can occur with peers, people of authority, romantic relationships, acquaintances or close friendships. Sexual violence can also be perpetrated by individuals of a similar or different sex, gender, or sexual orientation than the survivor. 

 

Sexual Violence is a traumatic sexual act that occurs without the survivor’s consent. Sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse all fall under the umbrella term of sexual violence. There can be misconceptions about what sexual violence is. Following are descriptions of kinds of sexual violence.

 

Coercion. Using threats, intimidation, statements, or force to manipulate another person into a sexual act.

 

Rape. Any form of sexual penetration where the victim does not or is not able to provide consent (i.e.,oral, anal or vaginal).

 

Sexual Abuse. Any unwanted sexual activity in which perpetrators of abuse use force, make threats, intimidate or take advantage of those who are unable to provide consent.

 

Sexual Assault. An umbrella term which encompasses unwanted touch, coercion, attempted rape and rape.

 

Survivor. An individual who has experienced sexual violence. This word is used as an empowering alternative to the word “victim.” Some individuals may prefer this term, while others may prefer the term victim. It is best to use the term that the individual identifies most with. 

 

Consent is one’s ability to agree to a sexual act. Consent between individuals should be all of the following: 

 

Mutual. Each person must agree to the sexual act.

 

Explicit. Consent should be clearly indicated. The absence of a “no” does not equate to a “yes.”

 

Sober. Consent cannot be provided while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

Continuous. Consent must be given freely and throughout the course of the sexual act. 

 

In addition, consent cannot be provided if a person is asleep, incapacitated or underage. 

 

Sexual assault happens at a higher rate on college campuses than other places. It is a highly underreported violent crime; therefore, it is important to note that any statistics listed below are possibly lower than the actual rate of sexual violence. 

 

 

Survivors of sexual violence can experience a wide range of reactions both in the long and short term. These can include, but are not limited to:

 

Decreased self-esteem. Survivors can experience decreased feelings of confidence about themselves or uncertainty due to their traumatic experience. 

 

Feelings of shame or guilt. Survivors can often blame themselves for their assault. It is important to note that survivors of sexual violence are not guilty or deserving of their violence.

 

Changes in eating and sleeping. The experience of trauma can lead to an increased or decreased appetite. Additionally, survivors can feel an increased need to sleep or can have insomnia, lying awake most of the night. 

 

Difficulty in social situations. Due to the nature of sexual trauma, individuals may be distrusting of others including both close and acquaintance relationships.  This may lead to social isolation.

 

Increased or decreased sexual activity. Following an act of sexual violence, survivors may experience a lack of overall sexual desire or interest. In contrast, some survivors may engage in an increase of sexual activities as a means of re-gaining control over their sex life. 

 

Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks. Experiences of trauma can impact an individual’s cognitive abilities including concentration, memory, decision making and emotional regulation.

 

Experiencing nightmares. Survivors can experience an increase of nightmares that may or may not be about sexual violence.

 

Changes in the use of alcohol or other substances. Survivors may increase their use of alcohol or other substances as a way to self-medicate.

 

Physiological Concerns. Survivors may experience physiological concerns, including increased headaches, decreased immune system or problems with their gastrointestinal system.

 

According to the 2015 book Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman, individuals who experience trauma are likely to feel disempowered and detached from others. Therefore, it can be helpful for survivors to engage in positive self-care strategies that promote feelings of control in their lives. This could include a variety of activities such as:

 

Potential Next Steps

• Seek medical attention from their primary care provider or from the emergency department at their local hospital. 
• Engage in therapy services at their local Counseling Center.
• Visit a Rape Crisis Center, Victim Advocacy Center or Domestic Violence Shelter.
• Report the sexual violence to a University Title IX office if either the survivor or the perpetrator is a university student, or report sexual violence to the police.
• Talk to a friend, partner, family member or sexual assault hotline. 
• Do research. (See Want to Know More? section)

Want to Know More?

Get help ASAP