For the tens of thousands of victims who are sexually abused each year, there is hope for the future. Many adult survivors of child sexual abuse do not show signs of dysfunction or lasting mental health problems due to their traumatic pasts. Every survivor is unique. Addressing and properly coping with sexual abuse early on can lead to a better chance of…
Sadly, sexual assault is a common enough crime that you are likely to know someone who is a survivor. If someone comes to you with a story of sexual assault, abuse or rape, learn how to be the support system the victim needs to aid in the healing process. While every case is unique, there are steps you can take to make…
Victim blaming occurs when the blame, fault or responsibility for a crime is placed on the victim rather than the perpetrator. For example, the victim may be told that he or she could have done something differently to prevent the crime, such as being more careful or behaving in a different way. This misplaced blame on the survivor of a crime or…
It is often difficult for people to understand why a rape victim would ever protect his or her rapist. This is an incredibly complex and sensitive subject – as nuanced as the survivors themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why rape victims shield their rapists or protect perpetrators. Studies have shown several common reasons behind this occurrence. Fear or Intimidation Rape…
