Who Are Victims of Sexual Assault?
Sexual violence is any type of sexual activity committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent. The activity can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to engage in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Per the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs:
Nearly half of all female rape survivors in Kentucky were victimized before turning 18 years old.
Sexual Violence Can Leave Long-Lasting Impacts on Victims.
|
| ||
|
An assault may impact a survivor’s daily life no matter when it happened. Each survivor reacts to sexual violence in their own way. Common emotional, physical, and psychological reactions include: Guilt, shame, fear, numbness, shock, and feelings of isolation. Personal injuries, concerns about pregnancy, or risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Sexual violence can affect parents, friends, partners, children, spouses, and/or coworkers of the survivor. As they try to make sense of what happened, loved ones may experience similar reactions and feelings to those of the survivor such as fear, guilt, self-blame, and anger.
|
24 Hour Rape Crisis Line
800-656-HOPE (4673) Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs 502-226-2706 Pathways Victim Services 606-324-1141 Crisis Text Line Text "KY" to 741741 |
You Are Not Alone
Anyone can become a victim of sexual assault. There is no age, gender, race, religion, sexuality or any other demographic immune to sexual violence. There is no shame in seeking help, and the resources provided above offer strict confidentiality in their services.