Sexual Abuse or Assault (Rape)

Overview

Sexual abuse or assault (rape) can happen to anyone. If it has happened to you, you aren't to blame. Sexual abuse is any type of sexual activity that is done against your will. Examples include sexual exposure (like being forced to look at sexual pictures) and unwanted or forced sexual touching. Or it can mean sexual assault, such as rape or attempted rape. The attacker may be a stranger or someone you don't know well. Or it may be a close friend or a family member (incest). Many victims of abuse or assault know their attacker.

Teens and young adults may be at risk for becoming victims of sexual assault or violent behavior in situations where certain date rape drugs are used.

It's often hard for people to talk about sexual abuse or assault. The person who was abused often feels shame or guilt and may be too afraid of the abuser to say anything. But it's important to seek help and then keep getting help for as long as you need it. Talk to the police or to a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor. Or call a local rape crisis center. Any of these people can help you get medical treatment, cope with your feelings, and take steps to stop the abuser or rapist.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can be something spoken or seen. Or it can be anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact. This type of abuse may occur over and over. Examples of sexual abuse include forcing a person to:

• Look at a naked body or naked genital area.
• Watch, look at, or be a part of sexual pictures.
• Watch a sexual act, such as masturbation.
• Be touched (fondled).

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is any forced sexual contact where something is put into (penetrates) the vagina, anus, or mouth. Violence or fear may be used to force the person to have sex. Examples include:

• An object placed into the vagina or anus.
• Forced oral sex.
• Forced sexual intercourse (rape).

Self-Care

If you feel threatened or need help right away:

• Call 911.
• If you've been assaulted:
  • Call the police now, or call a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor.
  • Remember that the assault (rape) wasn't your fault.
  • Find a safe environment—anywhere away from the attacker.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack. Don't change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush your teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.
  • Get medical attention. Even if you have no physical injuries, it's important to find out if you are pregnant or have sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, or HIV. To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to do a special exam (called a forensic medical exam). If you think you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be taken.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline toll-free (1-800-656-HOPE or 1-800-656-4673) for free, confidential counseling.
• Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free (1-866-331-9474) or (1-866-331-8453 TTY).
• Find local resources that can help in a crisis. Your local rape crisis center or hotline, police department, mental health clinic, or hospital can help you.
• Be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drunkenness, so that you can avoid a dangerous situation.
• If a child tells you that they have been sexually abused or assaulted, stay calm. Tell the child that you believe them and that you will do your best to keep them safe. Report the abuse or assault to the local police or a child protective services agency.

If you have been a victim of abuse and keep having problems related to the abuse, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Signs of sexual abuse

Signs of sexual abuse may not be apparent without an examination of the genital area. These signs include:

• Bruises, scars, chafing, or bite marks in the genital area.
• Discharge or bleeding from the vagina.
• Rectal or genital bleeding.
• Anal tears or dilation.
• Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV.

Vaginal bleeding in a child before the beginning of menstruation is abnormal, as are other vaginal or genital symptoms such as sores, warts, pain, or unusual discharge. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be caused by physical or sexual abuse that injures the abdominal or vaginal area. Vaginal bleeding that is caused by abuse often is the result of minor physical injuries that will get better on their own or with home treatment.

You may feel uneasy if your child's doctor brings up the issue of abuse. But doctors have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of abuse. It is important to consider this, especially if there were no witnesses to the injury that caused the child's vaginal bleeding.

If you think your child has been sexually abused, call your child's doctor or contact the National Child Abuse Hotline and Referral Service at 1-800-422-4453.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if problems from violence or abuse occur more often or are more severe.

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