Sexual assault is very prevalent in our society. Males, females, older people and children may all become victims. Many people have experiences which would meet a definition of sexual assault yet they do not call themselves a victim. If you have experienced people saying sexual things to you that you found distressing, someone acting in a sexual way in front of you that you found distressing, someone touched you when you did not want them to, or you have been forced have any type of sex (oral, anal, vaginal) when you did not want to, then you have experienced sexual assault.

There are differences in how distressing people find this experiences, but many people find them very upsetting, often because they feel that what happened was somehow their own fault. It is important to remember that whatever your own experience may have been, if you found it distressing, then it may be very helpful to talk with someone about how you feel. Sexual assault is often very frightening and as a consequence of this experience you may develop symptoms of trauma. To learn more about these symptoms please look up Trauma.

Causes
Often people who experience sexual assault are blamed for causing it in some way. This is totally untrue and often means that victims suffer more than they would otherwise. Sexual Assault is the consequence of people choosing to act in a way that hurt others. Individual who sexually assault someone else choose to ignore what the other person wants. The perpetrator is totally responsible for the sexual assault.

Getting Help
If you have experienced sexual assault you can consult your local Sexual Assault Service at any time of the day or night. The university falls into the area covered by the Royal Prince Alfred Sexual Assault Service. They can be contacted on 9516 8131 or 9516 6111 (AH). If you live outside the Kensington area you can still call this number and they will put you in touch with your closest Sexual Assault Service.

The University Counselling Service has Counsellors experienced in providing care and counselling for victims of past and recent sexual assault. Sometimes people have to wait a short time before they are able to make an appointment with one of the Counsellors. If you wish to speak with a Counsellor urgently, be sure to emphasise this fact an appointment will be made as soon as possible. There are a number of helpful books and brochures available for people who have experienced sexual assault.

Each of the following pamphlets are available at the Counselling service, you can simply pick one off the rack in the waiting area: Surviving Child Sexual Assault, Woman and rape, Surviving rape.

Some helpful links

Eastern and Central Sexual Assault Service
Provide a free and confidential service to women and men aged 14 years and older who are living, studying, working, holidaying, or have been sexually assaulted in Inner or Eastern Sydney. Their website also contains information about sexual assault and related issues.

Drugged and Assaulted
Information provided by the Sydney South West Area Health Service for people who believe they have been drugged and sexually assaulted.

Sexual Assault - Reach Out! Website
NSW Rape Crisis Centre
Information for men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse

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