Sexual Violence
Sexual violence can affect everyone. It is estimated that one in three women and one in six men are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. Over 80 percent of the time, the victim/survivor knows the offender. Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a variety of physical and emotional responses following the abuse.
Some common feelings include numbness, denial, confusion, anger, disbelief, and fear. A survivor may alter her or his sleeping or eating habits, desire a change in her or his daily routine, or feel a need to get back to normal. These are just a few of the coping skills that survivors have used; there is no right or wrong way for someone who has been sexually assaulted to act.
If you have recently experienced a sexual assault, the choices about what to do are up to you. You may want to have an evidentiary examination at a local hospital. This examination preserves evidence should you decide to press charges. This is also a time when you can get medical advice, treatment for any injuries, and medications for sexually transmitted diseases. The examination is paid for by the state, and you do not have to make a report to the police in order to have an exam. You may be offered or request emergency contraception (MAP or the Morning After Pill) if assault occurred within 72 hours.
You may be thinking about reporting an assault to the police. In Johnson County, you can tell a detective or police officer about what happened to you without having to make an immediate decision about whether you want to press charges.
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) offers a 24-hour crisis line, individual peer counseling, and support groups. All services are free and confidential. The RVAP serves women and men survivors of any kind of sexual abuse, as well as their concerned friends, family, and partners. Advocates can also accompany survivors at the local hospitals or police stations. The 24-hour Rape Crisis Line is 335-6000 or 1-800-284-7821.
