Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any kind of sexual activity that occurs against your will – your right to say no. Abusers can include strangers, “friends,” and family members. When family members are sexually abusive, it's called incest.
 

Abuse can include rape, fondling, verbal harassment, and visual harassment (when someone forces you to look at sexual pictures or movies you don't want to see). Sometimes, you might want to say yes because you're afraid or feel threatened. You can say yes and still be a victim of sexual abuse.

Whatever anyone might say, nobody has the right to touch you, speak sexually to you, make you look at or watch sexual pictures or movies, or have oral, anal or vaginal sex with you if you don't want them to. There are support groups available to help you if you are raped, and they will ensure that your rights are protected.
 

What should you do if you're raped or sexually abused?

• If you're abused, call the police and a trusted family member. The police will not force you to lay a charge, but they will help you.
• Don't take a shower, bath, or brush your teeth. Write down the details of your attack and the attacker. This might be hard, but it's important evidence.
• Make sure that the police take you first to a clinic, hospital or district surgeon's office. Ask for a rape kit exam and get tested for STDs and pregnancy. You should be given antiretrovirals (if you are not already HIV) within 72 hours. If you think you were drugged, ask the doctor to take a urine sample.
• Find a safe place, away from your attacker or abuser. Ask a trusted friend or family member for moral support and a place to stay.
• Remember that it wasn't your fault. Emotional and physical healing take time. Counseling can help.
   

What are some of the symptoms abuse survivors experience?

• Confusion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Fear or anxiety
• Overeating
• Depression
• Anger
• Bad dreams or flashbacks
• Not being able to feel happy or feel love