Sexual Assault
Jessica Salomone
Counselling Psychologist
Perth, Western Australia
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act or behaviour to which a person has not consented. It may be that the individual was forced, coerced or threatened into engaging in sexual activity with another person, or it could be that the individual was not able to consent.
An individual may be unable to consent due to his or her:
- Being under 16 (or 18 if perpetrator in position of power)
- Level of intoxication with drugs or alcohol
- Being asleep, unconscious or drugged at time of assault
- Cognitive impairment or disability
- Inability to make decisions because of a psychiatric issue
A range of sexual acts or sexual behaviour can constitute sexual assault. It is important to understand that sexual assault involves any sexual event that is unwanted by the individual. Anyone can change their mind about sexual activity at any time even once sexual activity has commenced, and can also consent to some sexual activities and not others. If the victim has not consented to the sexual activity, a crime has been committed. Sexual assault is never the victim's fault.
Sexual assault is often a very unexpected and very frightening event. This crime can be perpetrated by a stranger but more often it is committed by someone known to the individual. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of the person's age, gender, sexuality, culture or background. It occurs when the perpetrator wants power and control over another individual, places their needs above the victim and does not respect others.
Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when the perpetrator has a position of power or authority over the individual and then chooses to abuse this position of trust to manipulate the victim to engage sexual acts. Examples of this include an adult and a child, a teacher and a student or a health provider and a patient. In this way a sexual assault can also be considered sexually abusive if the perpetrator holds a position of trust.
Childhood sexual abuse is a term that often refers to the ongoing sexual abuse of a child by an adult, adolescent or older child. This often occurs on more than one occasion and frequently involves grooming. Grooming is the process by which a child is slowly manipulated into sexualized behaviour by an adult by methods such as gifts, rewards or special attention.
Should I Involve the Police?
Reporting the incident to the police can be a difficult decision. The victim may blame him or herself and may worry that the police or others will not believe them. They may fear retaliation by the perpetrator or feel guilty about reporting the event. The individual may know the perpetrator and may be concerned about the consequences of reporting. They may not feel ready or want to talk about what happened to them. The person is likely to be overwhelmed and confused about this big decision and may need some time or the opportunity to talk to a counsellor about the decision. At the same time the sooner the person reports to the police, the more chance they have of obtaining DNA evidence from their clothing or body.
Many survivors of sexual abuse and abuse have testified that the process of reporting to police has been important to their recovery and offered some small sense of closure regarding the event. Unfortunately though, sexual assault and abuse can be very difficult to prove in court due to there often being few witnesses or difficulties demonstrating consent was not provided. Sometimes the individual can go through the police reporting process and then the case does not make it to court or the perpetrator is not given a guilty verdict. Sometimes this process can take up to two years and can be very stressful, upsetting and disruptive for the victim.
The most important thing is that the person who experienced the event is the one to make the decision. This is critical, as this person has had all power and control taken away from them when they were abused.
The Impact of Sexual Assault
The effects of sexual assault are varied, but many people notice signs of recovery in the first weeks and months following the assault. Some of the impacts include:
- Feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions
- Emotional reactions such as shame, guilt, anger, fear and rage
- Trouble sleeping or eating as per usual
- Being unable to stop thinking about the assault
- Experiencing nightmares or visual images of the assault
- Not wanting others to touch you
- Fearfulness when leaving the house or when alone
- Avoiding anything that triggers you to remember the assault
- Feeling alone, scared and confused
- Feeling empty, numb, in shock or disbelief
- Blaming oneself or having thoughts you are disgusting or dirty
- Feeling shaking, jumpy, nervous or anxious
- Finding it difficult to trust others or relax during sex
- Developing a negative view of the world and others
- An increase in alcohol or other drug use
- The presence of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Sexualized behaviour or changes in sexual activity
- Trouble socializing or attending to studies and work commitments
Counselling and Recovery
Counselling can be an important part of the recovery process. Sometimes people can recover from sexual assault with the support of their loved ones and their usual coping strategies, however sometimes people need professional support. Many symptoms of trauma can subside or disappear within the initial weeks or months after the sexual assault. Other times, especially if the individual has experienced other sexual assaults/abuse, other mental health issues, substance use difficulties or other stressors, trauma symptoms can develop into Acute Stress Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Counselling can offer the individual:
- A safe and non-judgmental space to discuss their thoughts and feelings
- Support in understanding sexual assault and abuse
- Assistance challenging self blaming thoughts
- Therapy to reduce nightmares, visual flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
- Support to return to normal routine and self-care
- Assistance with family and relationship issues
- Counselling to reduce anxiety, fear, shame and other emotions
- Help in increasing supports and positive coping strategies
- Support with making decisions regarding police reporting
- Information and support regarding the court process
Adolescents and Young Adults
Adolescents and young adults can experience unique issues as result of their age and developmental stage. They can benefit from the presence of someone outside the family with which to discuss their difficulties due to:
- Additional embarrassment and shame when discussing the event
- Poor peer support as it may not be appropriate to discuss the issue
- A loss of independence and freedom due to others' safety concerns
- Family conflict around issues related to the sexual assault
- School/University refusal, avoidance or reduced performance
- Withdrawal from social activities
- A loss of confidence and self-esteem
- Confusion about sexuality and relationships
- A higher chance of alcohol and other drug use
- Difficulties with stress management
- An increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Being in the highest risk group for sexual assaults
How Family and Friends Can Assist
- Take care of yourself
- Believe your loved one
- Ensure they are safe from the perpetrator
- Learn more about sexual assault
- Let them know you are available for support when they need it
- Listen to them and allow them a non-judgmental space to talk
- Do not pressure them to go to the police if they do not want to
- Encourage them to return to their normal life activities (with support)
- Remind them it is not their fault, be careful of blaming statements
- Support them to link into counselling when they are ready
- Do not pressure them to talk about the assault
- Ensure they know you are angry at the perpetrator and not them
For further information about sexual assault and recovery or to make an appointment for counselling, please feel free to use the contact details below.
Jessica Salomone
Counselling Psychologist
Email: therapy@jessicasalomone.com
Telephone: 0450 688 221
Mt Lawley Counselling Centre
13 Alvan Street
Mount Lawely (Perth), WA 6050