While sexual assault is prohibited, not to mention illegal, at work, there are still many cases of it happening at businesses all around the world. Sexual assault can cause a lifetime of trauma for victims and can leave them unaware of how to process their assault. Whether you have been assaulted, or would simply like to know what to do in the event of a sexual assault, these six tips can help you understand what steps you need to take if you have been sexually assaulted at work.
>Make Sure That You Are Safe
Sexual assault leaves its victims feeling unsafe and vulnerable, so the first step to take if you have been assaulted is to make sure that your safety comes first. A sexual assault can trigger a fight or flight reaction which can cause victims to feel hopeless. You will need to make sure that you are using any coping mechanism that makes you feel comfortable to ensure that you stay safe.
Reach Out To A Trustworthy Source For Support
Next, you will want to reach out to someone that you trust to help you get through your experience. You will want someone who is going to support you and look out for your best interests. If you do not have someone close to you that you trust to help you, there are many different sexual assault hotlines that you can call to speak to a trained support operator that will get you in contact with treatment centers and advice on how to report your crime.
Seek Medical Attention
While most victims are wary of talking to anyone about their assault, it is imperative to visit a local hospital or medical rape center to ensure that they collect any DNA or samples that they may need to prosecute your attacker. If you were injured in the assault, it is very important that you get checked out to make sure that your injuries do not need further evaluation.
Process Your Assault
The hardest part of dealing with a sexual assault is having to recount what happened. While many people look to avoid addressing the assault or try to block it out completely, it is important that you recount exactly what happened. This can be done with the help of a therapist or simply writing down everything that happened. This will be crucial on reporting the attack to authorities and understanding that it was not your fault.
Report Your Assault/Seek Legal Action
Now that you have processed your assault, you will need to report what happened to the authorities. Many victims are reluctant on getting legal help after harassment occurs as their assaulter is someone within their mutual friend circle. It is important to speak with people who will encourage you and be by your side throughout this process as it is usually the part most victims struggle with. While it is hard, the assaulter must be held accountable for their actions to ensure that it does not happen to anyone else.
Work On Getting Back To Your Normal Life
The last but not least tip is to get yourself living your normal life again. After a sexual assault, you may find it very hard to hop back into social settings, especially if the attack happened during one of these times. Take as much time as you need to get yourself back in the groove and use group therapy to help you relive your life the way you did before your assault.