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back to Womansplace home page Womansplace Crisis Center Sexual Assault Services Frequently Asked Questions   If this happened to you or a friend...   In the words of a survivor    Common Feelings among Rape & Sexual Assault Survivors Womansplace Sexual Assault Services Frequently Asked Questions What is rape? Rape is the penetration of a bodily orifice (oral, anal or vaginal) with a body part (e.g.  penis, finger or tongue) or an object through force or threat of force and without consent. I hear some people use the term sexual assault.  What does that mean? Sexual assault is a broader term that includes rape and other crimes such as molestation, flashing, voyeurism, etc. Can men be raped? Yes.  Most often men who are raped are raped by other men.  In the vast majority of  cases men are the perpetrators of rape. Why would a man rape someone? Rapists commit their crime because they want power and control over their victim.  Sex is the tool that is used to commit that crime.  Rapists don't rape because women  wear short skirts or act seductive. If this has happened to you or a friend... Remember, it's not your fault.  No one asks or deserves to be raped no matter what the circumstances. Seek medical attention for the possibility of injury, STD's, and/or pregnancy. Find yourself a network of people who believe and support you. Call our rape hotline and find out how we can help you. Schedule an appointment for individual counseling with one of our counselors. Consider joining a support group.  Sharing your experience with others is an important  part of the healing process. Remember, no matter how you feel now, you have the power to heal. In the words of a survivor "I push myself to survive even though sometimes it feels as if giving  up would be the easiest option.  Some days I do it to get back at him,  to show him I can go on and won't be a victim any longer.  But most  days I do it for myself.  I didn't ask for rape.  I only ask for my life  and I'm taking control again." Common feelings among rape & sexual assault survivors Fear Fear of attacker returning Fear of being alone Fear of things or places that remind you of the attack Fear of attacker harming family Powerlessness Feeling that your privacy and right to choose has been denied Hopelessness Guilt and Self Blame Thinking you were responsible for what happened Feeling like you could have prevented the attack Anger Wanting to kill the attacker Wanting to hurt yourself or others Anger at self - "Why did I let this happen?" Disruptions to Normal Life Sleeping all the time or not being able to sleep Not eating enough or eating constantly Nightmares/flashbacks Unable to stop crying Am I normal?  Yes!  These are normal reactions.  You may only experience a few or many.  Each person is unique. Womansplace Crisis Center Services 24-hour hotlines Sexual Assault: 508-588-8255 Toll-free number: 888-293-7273 En Español: 800-223-5001 Individual Counseling Available to survivors (children, teens, adults, older women) and their non-offending  partners, family and friends. Group Counseling Womansplace runs a variety of 12-week support groups including: Sexual Assault Survivors* (Groups for children, teens, adults and older women) Non-offending Parents of Sexually Abused Children Medical & Legal Advocacy Staff will meet with survivors at the hospital or police station to provide support and assistance. *Sexual Assault includes rape, incest and child sexual abuse All services are free and confidential. Counselors represent different ages, sexual orientations, cultures and languages including Spanish Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole.

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