Helpful Resources for Sexual Abuse Survivors

According to RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, more than 433,000 people in the general population and over the age of twelve are sexually assaulted or raped annually in the United States. More than half of those sexual assaults occurred at or near the victim's home. These statistics are gut-wrenching and unacceptable. To combat these startling statistics, we've gathered a list of resources for victims of sexual assault, abuse, and violence, and those who stand alongside them. It is our deepest hope that these resources aid in the fight against sexual violence of all types within our country and throughout the world.

  • After Sexual Assault: Experiencing a sexual assault is a heartbreaking and confusing experience. It's understandable if you feel like you don't know how to react. RAINN provides support and information for victims of sexual assault and can offer resources to help you process your experience.

  • About Sexual Assault: It is important to take the time to fully understand what sexual assault is and how it impacts survivors, their loved ones, our communities, and our society. We must all work to support victims of sexual assault.

  • What to do if You Have Been Raped: In the aftermath of a rape or sexual assault, knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. This resource can help survivors walk through the next steps.

  • The Signs of Sexual Assault and Rape: Victims of sexual assault and rape may not feel comfortable sharing their experiences openly. It is important to be aware of the signs of sexual assault and sexual trauma in order to best support these victims.

  • The 1 in 6 Statistic: one in six men has experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault. Understanding this statistic and fighting against the stigma that sexual assault only happens to women is an important part of advocating for all victims of sexual abuse and violence.

  • Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault: Opening up a conversation about sexual assault is hard for everyone, not only the victim. If you are struggling to know how to best support a friend or family member, this resource has a list of tips you can use to help you to participate in that dialog.

  • How to Support LGBTQ Victims and Survivors of Sexual Violence: Learn how to be an ally to those in the LGBTQ community who have experienced sexual assault or sexual violence.

  • Victim Rights: All states have passed legislation affirming the rights of victims. Know your rights.

  • Identifying Sexual Abuse in Children: Sexual abuse does not present itself in children in all of the same ways that it may present itself in adult victims. This is a good resource that explains the emotional and physical signs of sexual abuse in children.

  • Sex Trafficking: Learn more about sex trafficking, the signs, and how it impacts survivors and their families, regardless of socioeconomic class, race, and gender identity.

  • Sexual Violence Information: Understanding what sexual violence is and the profound impact it has on victims, survivors, families, and communities is an important part of preventing such violence.

  • Sexual Assault FAQs: These popular questions related to sexual assault can help you to best understand this crime, its implications, and its effects.

  • Five Questions for Men Who Want to be Better Allies: These five open-ended questions offer men the opportunity to reflect on how they show up as allies for women and other marginalized people.

  • Recovering From Rape and Sexual Trauma: The healing process that follows a rape or sexual assault can be painful but it is an important part of regaining a victim's sense of control and self-worth.

  • A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors: Friends and families of sexual violence survivors may feel very lost as to how to help their loved ones. This guide provides the resources that can help them step into a supportive role.

  • In The Aftermath and Ongoing Support for Rape Victims: There are several different ways that concerned friends and family members can support a person immediately following and longer after their sexual trauma.

 

Back to Resources