SARSSM: Sexual Assault Definitions & Help

	I have been sexually assaulted
	My Child Has Told Me S/He Was/Is Being Sexually Assaulted
	What Are The Signs Of Child Sexual Abuse?
	I Know Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted - What Can I Do To Help?

However you are feeling is okay. You may be feeling confused, angry, numb, or crying hysterically - there is no "normal" or "correct" reaction.

If you are not in a safe place, go somewhere you can be! This can be with a friend, family, police department, or hospital emergency room.

Don't blame yourself. Remember that the assault WAS NOT YOUR FAULT! Period. It doesn't matter what you wore, where you were, or how much you drank. Sexual assault is a crime and no one has the right to take advantage of you. You did nothing to deserve this.

Tell someone - family, friends, police, SARSSM Hotline Advocate (1-800-313-9900)

Consider seeking immediate medical attention (this does not mean you have to involve the police). You can go to a hospital Emergency Room (where they should place you in a separate room immediately) or to your own doctor or clinic. Seeking immediate medical attention can greatly reduce your risk of contracting an STD or AIDS and preventative measures can also be taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy. You should also be checked for any internal or external injuries you may have unknowingly suffered as a result of the assault. Again, a visit to your doctor's office or the ER does not mean that the police will be involved.

Consider having a forensic evidence exam performed. Evidence collected from your body can help in the prosecution of the perpetrator. You should know that if you choose to have the exam, that does not mean that the police will be involved. Maine state law allows forensic evidence to be collected at no cost to the sexual assault victim and without a report being made to the police. The evidence will be stored for 90 days during which you can make a decision about whether or not you want to make a report to the police. It is important to have evidence collected if you think you may want to pursue legal action in the future. Please note that this procedure can only be performed at the ER. You have up to 72 hours after the assault occurred to have evidence collected. It is best if you do not bathe or shower and that you bring the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault with you in a paper bag. In some cases, you can still have evidence collected up to five days after the assault occurred.

Consider reporting the crime to the police. If you are unsure, you can call the hotline and discuss your options with a SARSSM Advocate.

Believe the child! Research has shown that children very seldom lie about sexual abuse (the incidence is so low as to rule out this consideration.) The damage to a child if you do not believe him or her could be great.

Stay Calm. Shock, anger, fear, anxiety, worry, and shame are normal reactions, but an emotional reaction is upsetting to the child. Express your feelings with another adult in private or call our hotline (1-800-313-9900). When with the child, calmly listen, let the child know that what has happened isn't right, and that you will do what you can to help and protect them.

Reassure the child. "Thank you for sharing the experience with me. You are a terrific boy/girl. I'm proud of you for telling me and I am sorry this happened to you. Sometimes even adults do bad things and that is not your fault. You did just the right thing by telling me."

Seek Help. Call Children's Protective Services and your family doctor, a good therapist and/or a SARSSM Hotline Advocate at 1-800-313-3300. In 99 of 100 cases, the perpetrator is a repeat offender, so reporting the incident is important.

If the child brings it up, talk about the assault. Part of recovering from any trauma is being able to talk about it. Listen to your child and try to understand his/her feelings. After listening, reassure the child that you are glad that it is over now.

What Are The Signs Of Child Sexual Abuse?

Physical Signs May include:

NOTE: these signs may also indicate problems other than sexual abuse

Behavioral Signs May include:

Changes in behavior (mood swings, clinging or withdrawal, etc.)
Nightmares or bed wetting
Acting out sexually or showing knowledge or interest in sex that is not appropriate for the child's age.
Loss of self-respect
Unsocial behavior
Acting younger that he or she is
Fears of certain places, people, or activities
Poor schoolwork and frequent absences
Shame about his or her body.

NOTE: these signs may also indicate problems other than sexual abuse

I Know Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted - What Can I Do To Help?

Don't tell them what to do but give them their options:
1. It is recommended that they seek medical attention from a hospital ER, a doctor, or health center (none of which mean that the police will be involved). This will allow them to get tested for STDs, HIV, pregnancy, and internal/external injuries of which they may not be aware.
2. They can also opt to have forensic evidence collection performed so that if they do decide to report, evidence will be available to help in the legal process. Evidence can only be collected at an ER and should be done within 72 hours of the assault.
3. It is also recommended that the victim not bathe and save the clothing he/she was wearing at the time of the assault. Evidence is then stored anonymously for 90 days while the victim decides if s/he wants to report the assault.
4. They have the option of making a report to the police. If this is an option they would like to take, making a report sooner rather than later is advised in order to conduct the most effective investigation.

Don't go after the perpetrator - while exacting some revenge may seem like it will make you feel better, it will only place more worry on the victim for your safety and for their safety.

Take care of yourself. Find support from a trusted friend or a SARSSM Hotline Advocate (1-800-313-9900) if you need to talk or want help with options.

For more information on how you can help, click here to see a listing of SARSSM's helping handouts.