2008 Woodie Awards
Sexual assault problems on college campuses
Amy Schroh / Assistant Director of Counseling
Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 2 next >
In last week's article we discussed national statistics regarding sexual assault and rape on college campuses. We also touched upon some of the reasons why victims do not report that they have been sexually assaulted or raped. In this week's article, we are going to discuss some of the ways victims of sexual assault and rape react and respond to the trauma. We will also take a look at how we as a community can assist people who have been sexually assaulted or raped to get the help they need.
What are the effects of rape or sexual assault on victims? Victims can react and respond in many different ways to such a traumatic experience. Some of the reactions may include feeling helpless, hopeless, ashamed, guilty, insecure, experiencing flashbacks of the attack, feeling a loss of power and control, or difficulty concentrating and sleeping. These are only a few of the ways a victim may react. Victims are encouraged to seek mental health counseling to help them process the trauma they have experienced. According to the RAINN organization website, "Victims of sexual assault are…
-Three times more likely to suffer from depression
-Four times more likely to contemplate suicide
-Six times more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder
-Thirteen times more likely to abuse alcohol
-Twenty-six times more likely to abuse drugs
Although personal safety can never be guaranteed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being the victim-or perpetrator-of sexual assault. Things you can do:
-Communicate your wants early. Know what your limits are for both alcohol and sex before going to a party or bar.
-Be assertive about communicating what you want from another person. Ask the person you are with to do the same.
-Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable for you, there is probably a good reason.
-Be aware of the effects of alcohol on your body. Alcohol interrupts the ability to make sound decisions and impairs your ability to communicate clearly.
What are the effects of rape or sexual assault on victims? Victims can react and respond in many different ways to such a traumatic experience. Some of the reactions may include feeling helpless, hopeless, ashamed, guilty, insecure, experiencing flashbacks of the attack, feeling a loss of power and control, or difficulty concentrating and sleeping. These are only a few of the ways a victim may react. Victims are encouraged to seek mental health counseling to help them process the trauma they have experienced. According to the RAINN organization website, "Victims of sexual assault are…
-Three times more likely to suffer from depression
-Four times more likely to contemplate suicide
-Six times more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder
-Thirteen times more likely to abuse alcohol
-Twenty-six times more likely to abuse drugs
Although personal safety can never be guaranteed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being the victim-or perpetrator-of sexual assault. Things you can do:
-Communicate your wants early. Know what your limits are for both alcohol and sex before going to a party or bar.
-Be assertive about communicating what you want from another person. Ask the person you are with to do the same.
-Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable for you, there is probably a good reason.
-Be aware of the effects of alcohol on your body. Alcohol interrupts the ability to make sound decisions and impairs your ability to communicate clearly.
Be the first to comment on this story