National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 92 seconds another American becomes a victim of sexual assault. It is estimated that 321,500 people are sexually assaulted every year in the United States, and the number is likely higher since many people do not report sexual assault out of fear or shame. If you are one of these victims, you may find yourself in need of support. There are many national resources for sexual assault survivors that can help you make sense of your world again following sexual assault.
Survivors Continue to Suffer Long After the Sexual Assault Ends
There has been a stigma attached to sexual assault, and it works to make the victim of a sexual assault a victim again. The stigma makes women and men who are victims of sexual assault feel like they were to blame for their attack. We work to counter those defenses but those arguments will be made.
Survivors are not able to walk away sexual assault unscathed even if they are not physically harmed, because the mental affects continue to haunt them. RAINN reports that 94% of women who are raped have symptoms of PTSD. 33% of women who are raped consider suicide and about 70% of sexual assault victims deal with moderate to severe distress following the event. In addition, survivors of sexual assault are more likely to abuse drugs.
What Constitutes as Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault takes place in all types of communities and affects people of all races, ages, and genders. Sexual assault is described as sexual behavior or contact that takes place without consent. Sexual assault can describe many different sexually based crimes which include attempted rape, rape, forcing someone to perform oral sex, penetration with any object or body part without consent, and unwanted sexual touching.
National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault than it may be helpful to seek out help from these national resources for sexual assault survivors. Proper support following sexual assault is vital to lower the risk of depression, PTSD, and suicide among victims. A few helpful national resources include:
- RAINN: Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network – RAINN offers a free hotline that survivors can use to call for help at any time. Staff members will help talk to survivors and then help them find local rape crisis centers for further specialized help.
- (NSVRC) National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Is an online portal that helps survivors and their loved ones find tools and information about processing sexual violence. It also hosts a large library of information about sexual assault research, speakers, and statistics.
- National Alliance to End Sexual Violence- This website helps link sexual assault victims to anti-sexual assault coalitions in individual states.
Seek Legal Help
If you have been the victim of sexual assault at your workplace or school, then you may be entitled to a settlement. Alternatively, you may simply want justice for what you have been forced to endure. Our sympathetic, but tough, sexual harassment lawyers have been working with sexual assault victims for years, and we fight avidly on their behalf. Give us a call to discuss your situation today.