Surviving sexual assault

1
Surviving sexual assault

• By Julia Skinner
• Julia-skinner_at_uiowa.edu
• Julia.Skinner_at_worldnet.att.net

2
What is Sexual Assault?

• Some specific definitions of types of sexual
  assault (RAINN.org)
• Rape Unwanted/forced sexual intercourse. Force
  may consist of threats or physical violence.
• Sexual Assault Unwanted touching that stops
  short of forced intercourse.

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Some Quick Facts about Sexual Assault

• One in six people (male and female) will be
  sexually assaulted in their lifetimes (RVAP
  training manual)
• Someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S. every 2
  ½ minutes (RAINN.org)
• From July 1st-September 30th, 2006 in Iowa City
  (RVAP quarterly report)
• 77 crisis line calls about rape
• 71 women, 5 men, 1 unknown
• 43 of these were by an acquaintance, partner, or
  former partner

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Some Quick Facts About Sexual Assault

• Iowa City Quick Facts continued
• Most sexual assault are not reported
• Alcohol and physical force were the most common
  weapons used.
• The total number of victims in Iowa City and
  surrounding areas was 166 for this period.
• Individuals aged 18-29 years old reported a much
  higher incidence than any other age group.

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Some Quick Facts About Sexual Assault

• 25 crisis line calls were from individuals
  affiliated with the University of Iowa, 12 of
  these were in reference to a recent rape, and 23
  of the total calls were made by University
  students.

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If Ive Been Sexually Assaulted, What Can I Do?

• You are not alone. No matter what you did or
  didnt do, the sexual assault was not your fault
  someone else chose to assault you.
• Rape Victim Advocacy Program Crisis Line
• Local 319.335.6000
• Statewide 1.800.284.7821
• RAINN Crisis Line (national) 1.800.656.HOPE

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What if Someone I Know Has Been Raped?

• Listen sometimes the thing a survivor needs most
  is someone to talk to.
• Give advice, but recognize their right to make
  choices. If they do not want to call the police,
  etc. do not make them.
• Tell them it is not their fault.
• If you need advice or someone to talk to, you can
  always call the local or national rape crisis
  lines to find support.

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My Story

• 14 years old walking home from friends house.
• Raped by a stranger uncommon, most sexual
  assaults perpetrated by someone the victim knows.

9
My Story

• Immediate emotions shock and confusion, feeling
  alone.
• Not aware of resources.
• Felt like I was in a fog
• Began getting depressed.
• Felt sick discovered I was pregnant.
• Worry about what to do with child, fear of not
  being believed.

10
My Story

• Miscarried three months into pregnancy.
• Planted rose bush in memory of child.
• Depression increased, attempted suicide.
• Suicide attempt a wake up call, made me realize I
  should talk about what happened.
• Told a friend, who told the school counselor.

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My Story

• Reactions of others had big impact hurt of
  mother, seeming indifference of father.
• Went to police. Repeatedly told me I was lying,
  intimidated during interview.
• Re-traumatized me, made me feel more afraid and
  isolated.

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My Story

• Began counseling to aid the healing process.
• Learned to incorporate loss into my identity
  rather than just trying to get over it.
• Man continued to stalk me, but there was nothing
  I could do about it. Felt somewhat helpless, but
  less afraid than before.

13
My Story

• Chose to educate others by writing about sexual
  assault for high school senior project.
• Worked with Heather Day from Moving to End Sexual
  Assault in Boulder, CO.
• Book included my drawings and chapters with facts
  about various aspects of sexual assault.

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My Story

• Book was a huge success.
• Spoke about the project, brought copies of book
  with me.
• Peoples positive responses were very empowering
  for me.
• Sold all 200 copies of book and had to make more
  because so many people requested them.

15
My Story

• Donated copies of book to various community
  groups.
• Felt very empowered going to my first Take Back
  the Night.
• Began working on artwork for mural.

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My Story

• Moved to Des Moines, felt relief because I would
  not see my stalker again.
• He somehow managed to find me, although he didnt
  do anything outside of following me.
• Moved to Iowa City after a year.
• Began volunteering at the Rape Victim Advocacy
  Program.

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My Story

• Have seen man who assaulted me several times
  since I moved here. Still occasionally deal with
  fear that he might show up.
• Very involved with RVAP for 3 ½ years.
• Also do other activist work to raise awareness
  and promote pertinent legislation.

18
My Story

• Graduating in May, going on to graduate school in
  Psychology to study violence against women.

19
Lasting Impact

• Occasional (brief) episodes of sadness.
• Difficulties with romantic relationships.
• Anxiety around children.
• Upset when feeling unsupported.
• Best dealt with by assigning meaning and working
  through by talking with others, writing, etc.

20
Wrapping Up

• If you would like a full copy of my paper, you
  can request one by emailing me (julia-skinner_at_uiow
  a.edu)
• Copies of the book I completed in high school and
  other literature are available for you to browse
  up front.
• I am available to talk and answer questions after
  class and via e-mail.

21
Wrapping Up

• Trisha Kulczycki is also available via e-mail if
  you are interested in speaking with someone else
  who has survived sexual assault. She can be
  reached at
• trisha-kulczycki_at_uiowa.edu
• There are also additional resources on the course
  website that may be helpful or informative