Opportunities for Survivors

https://www.rainn.org/slideshow/images/RAINN_keyboard.jpg

After the fairly devastating research I’ve done that had me convinced that rape and sexual assault is going to take over the world and there’s nothing we can do to stop it, I decided to look into what the survivors can do to help themselves after an attack. Their lives don’t have to stop, and most of them have to continue on like it never happened. But instead of focusing on the fallbacks of the system and the struggles of those victimized, I want to talk about the good things we’ve done, and the strength of survivors.

Survivors can get a rape kit without having to immediately decide if they will report it as a crime. It is hard to get treatment, it is hard to report it as a crime. But after a sexual assault, medical assistance is a really good idea. So it’s a really beautiful thing that survivors are allowed to get a rape kit done and then decide later. This allows them to take it one step at a time, and lessens the pressure. It also shows the respect the law and medical fields are starting to give to survivors.

Many states have no statute of limitation for rape, and for other sexual assault, some states give up to 20 years for the victim to come forward. While it isn’t perfect, it’s something. It allows the survivor to work through their own trauma before facing it again in court. By doing this, I’d imagine testimonies are better because memories are less blurred (especially after trauma therapy). Also, witnesses are less easily intimidated because they have had more time to get over it.

Organization’s like RAINN exist. These organizations give a public voice to survivors and victims. They give the public more conclusive data in an easy to access place, all together. They make victims feel that they are not alone. They offer support groups (though these support groups aren’t always the most helpful, it is a way to meet others in a similar situation). They offer links to helplines and counselors. They reach all around the globe as well. And the even better thing? They’re not the only ones.

It’s hard to find the positives in something like sexual assault. Nothing about the assault in itself is good. But we’re getting a little bit better with helping survivors through the aftermath. We have a long way to go, but I’m glad we’ve at least gotten this far.

I hope I get the opportunity to learn more through interviewing survivors on their opinion on how we handle things, and how well all of this gets carried out.