NCJ Number
134007
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This booklet instructs sexual assault survivors and their "significant others" in the elements of a healthy healing process and the nature of the treatment services offered by Women in Transition of Winter Park, Fla.
Abstract
The booklet first outlines the physical, economic, social, and emotional impacts of sexual assault on victims, followed by a description of the healing stages. The latter consist of the immediate or acute phase and the long-term reorganizational process. A review of the myths and realities of sexual assault focuses on sexual assault as a violent, aggressive act; the helplessness and innocence of the victim; the likelihood that the attacker will be known to the victim; and the total responsibility of the attacker for the assault. Some of the questions and concerns of rape victims are reviewed followed by constructive advice designed to enhance the healing process. The booklet emphasizes that sexual assault is a potentially life-threatening situation, and whatever the victim does to survive is the right thing to do. In profiling the services of the Women in Transition, therapy groups are described for adult survivors of sexual assault, adolescent survivors of sexual assault, and significant others. The issues addressed in each group are listed.