- By: Eisha Irfan
Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual act, including forced contact or touching. Women always have the right to refuse any form of sexual activity. Rape is specifically defined as sexual intercourse without mutual consent.
Similar to domestic violence, rape and sexual assault are alarmingly prevalent crimes. According to a recent U.S. Justice Department survey, nearly half a million rapes and sexual assaults are reported by women each year. However, it’s important to note that many rapes go unreported.
Rape is a profoundly traumatic crime. Some victims suffer serious physical injuries, while others may become pregnant or contract HIV. However, the emotional impact can often be more severe than physical harm. A woman’s life is permanently altered by rape, with many survivors describing the experience as feeling like death. Even without visible physical harm, victims frequently endure long-term emotional and physical health issues. Despite this, many rapes remain unreported due to feelings of shame, fear, and cultural stigmas that wrongfully place blame on the victim. Sexual violence has a profound impact on survivors, regardless of age, gender, or orientation. The trauma can leave them feeling scared, ashamed, and isolated, with lingering nightmares, flashbacks, and self-doubt. Trust is shattered, relationships become perilous, and intimacy seems impossible. Many survivors struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, questioning their judgment, self-worth, and sanity.
The stigma and shame associated with rape and sexual assault often lead to silence. Survivors may fear judgment, rejection, or retaliation, causing them to hide their experiences. This silence perpetuates a culture of victim-blaming, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished and leaving survivors without the support they need.
Breaking the silence requires a collective effort to create a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their stories. We must listen without bias, believe their experiences, and offer support without condition. By doing so, we can help survivors regain control and confidence.
Supporting a survivor of rape or sexual assault requires compassion and patience. Understand that they couldn’t prevent what happened and that fear or trust may have played a role. Listen without judgment if they didn’t disclose right away, and help them separate regret from misplaced guilt. Reassure them of your support and allow them to heal at their own pace.
Encourage a medical check-up but avoid pressuring them. Never criticize their actions or minimize their experience. Let them make their own decisions and respect their physical and emotional boundaries. Direct your anger at the perpetrator, not the survivor, and don’t blame yourself for what happened. Always allow them to express themselves, and be a patient, non-judgmental source of support as they heal
Supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault requires a collective effort to create a culture of empathy, understanding, and accountability. By listening, believing, and empowering survivors, we can help shatter the silence that surrounds these crimes. Together, we can build a world where survivors feel seen, heard, and valued, and where perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Let us continue to break the silence, challenge societal norms, and strive for a future where everyone can live free from the fear of sexual violence. Only then can we truly say that we are creating a safer, more just world for all.