How to Survive a Sexual Assault

In society today we are told how to survive a robbery, a car jacking, and even a kidnapping; but no one talks about surviving an sexual assault. I have been sexually assaulted and this is my survival guide I am passing on to others. After reading this a person will have some knowledge of some of the things they can do to survive a sexual assault.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and pen/pencil

1. 1. Say “NO” over and over again, loud enough to be heard. Many people get scared and/or get in shock because of the surprise of the situation. They don't say no and even if the attacker tells you to shut up if you can even say no once it can help, you in the long run. Only do this if you can safely get it out at least once.

2. 2. Fight back if at all safely possible. I know that sometimes this is not always possible especially if the attacker is a stranger or intent on killing you. However the statics show that most attackers are family members, romantic involvements or friends.

3. 3. Remember details; their face, smell, the date, the time, tattoos, scars, birthmarks, clothes they were wearing (anything). Every little bit can help you if you decide to press charges. Be careful these images can haunt you but closing your eyes will make you afraid of the dark.

4. 4. Try to leave a mark on them, only if safely possible, such as a scratch, scar. Try to get some skin, by scratching or biting on them to show that you did try to fight back.

5. 5. ALWAYS REMEMBER, “IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT”!!! The attacker wants you believe it is your fault that he is doing this and it is not. The attacker wants you to believe that something you said, did or even wore gave them the idea you wanted or deserved the attack. It is a lie.

6. 6. Whoever is attacking you doesn’t love you they are just trying to control or hurt you. Sexual Assault is a violent act of rage not love. IT IS A POWER TRIP FOR THEM!!!

7. 7. If the If the attacker is getting excited by fighting back …STOP FIGHTING BACK! Some attackers like it when you fight back a lot. These type of men are excited by this type of violence. The best thing to do in this type of situation is to lie still. I have had experience with this type of attacker.

8. 8. When he/she is finished try to restrain the urge to shower off any evidence. Many people want to wash off because they feel dirty. If you can fight the urge please do so.

9. 9. Try and act normal until they leave or fall asleep. (Most of the time the abuser believes one out of 3 lies they tell themselves…a)It was your fault because …, b) you wanted it, c) It was their right.

10. 10. As soon as possible call the police, go to the hospital, or call the local toll free Sexual Assault hotline. You will need counseling and help. I ask you to get pen and paper because afterwards you will need to write or journal to get out of your emotions.

Tips & Warnings

• These are only guide on to how to survive an assault. Each situation and attacker can vary. The main thing is to survive to see another day. These steps are based on personal experience and information I have gather by other agencies over the years.