Sexual assault is a violent crime meant to degrade, humiliate and control. The attacker can be a stranger or someone known and trusted. It can happen to anyone, any place and any time. It happens to females and males. It can be a very traumatic experience. Putting one's life together afterwards may seem like an impossible task. This brochure will give suggestions to help victims cope.

Dealing With Your Feelings

Fear and embarrassment may make it difficult to report the crime and tell those closest to you. After a severe emotional trauma, one needs the understanding and support of family and friends to help get through this difficult time. It is important to realize, however, that loved ones do not always know what to say or do to help. Well-meaning advice or criticism about what happened can be painful for you. Keep in mind that their reactions may be the result of their own reluctance to accept the reality of everyone's vulnerability to crime. They can only do their best. It sometimes helps if you can let them know what you need.

You may have dramatic mood swings for a while. Your emotions can be raw and vulnerable. You may find you cry easily, are irritable or become upset over small things. You may have a startled response if you see someone who looks similar to the assailant or when you see something that reminds you of the crime. Any feelings you have during this time are probably normal.

Victims tend to go through several stages when coping with a sexual assault. Generally, denial comes first, followed by a realization phase and then anger.

• The Denial Stage
  Initially, there may be denial with the victim shutting out others and avoiding the subject. It is an attempt to believe the assault did not happen. Disbelief can be a protection from the overwhelming feelings associated with the trauma.


• The Realization Stage
  Denial is often followed by a realization phase where feelings being to come out. Victims often lack trust in others. Fear of future assaults may cause you to isolate yourself. The most destructive feeling at this stage is a tendency to blame yourself for the assault. It is important to remember you did the best you could in the situation. You are the victim; the blame rests on your attacker. Do not blame yourself in your attempt to make some sense out of what happened.


• The Anger Stage
  Victims usually move into a stage of anger. This is healthy when your feelings are directed toward your assailant. Sometimes your anger may be misdirected towards those around you. Let them know that you are not angry with them, but rather with what happened to you. The anger can cleanse because it indicates you are beginning to integrate the event into your life and move on without guilt.


• Looking Ahead
  Finally, you can begin to look ahead. You accept that it happened and that it was terrible, but you realize it is over.

Suggestions

• Report the crime and cooperate with the police. Taking positive action against the assailant will help resolve your trauma. You will also be helping the community.
• It is your personal decision who else should be told about what happened. You have a right to privacy and only those you wish to tell need know about the incident.
• Express your feelings and needs to those who care. Be clear about what you want them to do or not do.
• It is very normal for the feelings of fear to linger and it is often difficult to overcome. Do whatever you need to do to be safe. Each person must decide for themselves what it takes for them to feel safe.
• Return to your normal routine as soon as possible. Everyday routine will help you regain a feeling of control in your life.

Reaction of Others

Your family and friends will also have mixed feelings and confusion over the crime. They may be uncomfortable around you because they may be afraid of making things worse. Common feelings are anger at the assailant and frustration at not being able to direct that anger at the assailant. Marital relationships can become strained. The victim often feels uncomfortable resuming sexual relations following an assault. Most spouses or partners of the victim can accept these feelings intellectually, but still feel rejected or blamed in some way. Encourage your spouse or partner and other family to seek help if they are having a hard time adjusting.

Police Investigation

If an arrest was not made immediately, a detective will be assigned to investigate the case. You will probably be questioned several times in an effort to get as much information as possible about your assailant and the crime. Report any new information on the case to the detective assigned. You may be asked to help with an artist's drawing, take a polygraph or view a lineup. These are investigative tools.

Going to Court

If the suspect is arrested, he may be released from jail on bond or on his own promise to return for court. The judge tells him not to see you or talk to you. You should report any contact by him or by anyone claiming to be his attorney to the police and county attorney immediately. Your interests will be represented by the County Attorney's office shortly after an arrest is made and charges are filed.

Crime victims have specific rights under Arizona laws and the rules of Criminal Procedure which insure that the victim will be treated fairly. You will receive more information on these rights prior to any court action.

You may be subpoenaed to testify at a preliminary hearing about what happened. During this hearing, the judge listens to the facts to decide if there is "probably cause" for the case to go forward to Superior Court. This hearing is not to determine guilt or innocence and there is no jury. The court process can take many months. This is normal so try not to be frustrated by the delays. Your input and participation will be important at various times to insure a just outcome.

Community Resources

The Center Against Sexual Abuse (CASA) provides counseling to victims of sexual assault. For an appointment call (602) 241,9443. They also provide a 24-hour hotline at (602) 241-9010.

The Victim Compensation Bureau administers victim compensation in Maricopa County. They may be able to help with medical, counseling or other expenses as a result of being a crime victim. Their phone number is (602) 506-4955.