SEXUAL ASSAULT [RAPE]

Sexual Assault [Rape]: Moving from Victim to Survivor is a collection of facts that encompasses social, psychological, and legal aspects created to help you if you are a victim of sexual assault, or if you are part of a vulnerable population (college students, sexual minorities, military, and human trafficking victims). Also, use this book if you are the family, friend, or professional caring for someone who has been sexually assaulted (nurses, physicians, mental health providers, advocates, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel). The issue of sexual assault victimization is of great concern. President Barack Obama has stated, “Perhaps most important, we need to keep saying to anyone out there who has ever been assaulted: you are not alone. We have your back. I’ve got your back.” The White House is responding to alarming sexual assault statistics in the United States; especially among college students. This book is a response to the White House’s call to speak up; support all survivors; provide resources to students, advocates, and universities; and educate the public on the realities of abuse. Find strength with this book in the variety and relevance of topics covered. The journey begins with a basic definition of sexual assault, walking through the process of what to do after such an event, and ending with how to help someone who has suffered a sexual assault. Learn about victims’ rights, responses/reactions to sexual assault, the forensic (rape) exam, DNA evidence, reporting, law enforcement/criminal justice system, protection order/sexual violence injunction, financial help, alcohol- and drug-facilitated rape, and preventing victimization. I try to balance just the right amount of information and my professional experience to show you, if you are a victim of sexual assault, that you are not at fault; and that you should feel free to seek the help you need and deserve. Because of this common need to return to a normal life, a first step is to acknowledge the pain you are undergoing in order to work through this traumatic experience. This book can help. Likewise, professionals caring for the victim can gain a deeper understanding of the whole process of victimization and help the victim on the road to wholeness. Family and friends can become better prepared to support someone they care about. I leave this book in your hands, which is the result of concise, useful, helpful, understandable, and practical information put together to help individuals be prepared for and become knowledgeable in the process of recovering from sexual victimization.