Mental health articles

Rape and Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, sometimes referred to as rape or sexual battery, can be considered
an extreme form of sexual harassment. When defi ning sexual assault,
state laws now typically include forced oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by the
penis or digital or manual penetration. Most state laws consider same-gender
assault and marital rape as forms of sexual assault. Defi nitions have broadened
to acknowledge that consent cannot be given when victims are incapacitated
and that many victims do not use physical resistance in order to survive the
assault. Counselors are encouraged to learn their state laws and the university
protocols that apply to assaults on and off campus.
Although the frequency of stranger rape, where the victim does not know
the attacker, is lower than other types, it is the most feared by women, who
typically regard it as life-threatening. Police involvement, evidence collection,
and prosecution are more likely than in other types of sexual assault. While pressing charges is empowering for some victims, it also extends the time that
they must deal with the assault. Th e following case illustrates the feelings of
shame and blame that stranger rape induces, the oft en painful aft ermath, and
the distress caused when victims can’t recall the event due to intoxication or
the sedative eff ects of “date rape” drugs.

Acquaintance (or date) rape is far more prevalent than stranger rape.
Because of the relationship with the perpetrator, recovery is oft en complicated.
Th e victim rarely identifi es the act as sexual assault and oft en experiences guilt
and self-blame, especially if there was drinking or drug use, she at all went
along with the perpetrator’s advances, or they had a prior consensual sexual relationship. Indeed, the majority of assaults involve alcohol use, typically
where both victim and perpetrator have been drinking (Abbey, 2002). It is
important that counselors understand their own attitudes and beliefs regarding
acquaintance rape, especially in the context of a victim who demonstrates
high-risk behaviors. Even if a person had been drinking or taking other risks,
a rape victim is still a victim.
Sometimes victims refuse professional help due to minimization or denial.
In these cases, as long as safety is assured, counselors should meet clients
“where they are,” provide psychoeducational information that normalizes
their response, and off er future counseling and other support services when
needed. Th e following case is typical of students who come in at the behest
of others, are reluctant to explore the event or acknowledge its impact, and
simply wish to return to their usual level of functioning.