Information and support for sexual assault
Here you can find information and support for sexual assault.
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence refers to sexual acts to which a person has not consented. This means that consensual sexual acts require verbal or non-verbal agreement from all persons involved.
Sexual violence can take many forms and happen to anyone. While some instances involve physical violence, most do not. Although some assaults are perpetrated by strangers, the majority are perpetrated by acquaintances or even by someone the survivor knew and trusted.
Where can survivors receive professional help for sexual assault?
In Denmark, survivors of sexual assault can receive assistance at one of the nine national Centers for sexual assault. We provide acute forensic medical examinations if the assault is recent. We also offer free sessions with a psychologist or similar professional, regardless of when the assault took place. We speak English. We can also arrange for an interpreter at no cost to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us so we can inform you about your options.
Some survivors also wish to report the assault to the police. Survivors can have a lawyer present throughout this process at no cost. Survivors also have the right to speak to a lawyer before filing a report with the police.
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How do survivors react to sexual assault?
There is no right or wrong way to feel or react during an assault. Still, some survivors feel like they should have acted differently in the situation. For example, some feel like they didn't sufficiently resist the assault or say no firmly enough. Sexual assault is a traumatic experience. No one can know in advance how they will react during an assault. Regardless of what you have done leading up to or during the assault, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Being sexually assaulted is NEVER your fault.
The time following the assault is often difficult and chaotic.
Immediately after the assault you may feel scared and distraught — or completely numb and detached. Many survivors continue to struggle for a long time and things like sleeping, socializing, attending school, and going to work can become difficult.
Understandably, many survivors try to avoid places and situations that remind them of the assault, and some isolate themselves or attempt to suppress the memory. For example, by partying more. For many, however, the assault remains on the top of their minds for a long time and survivors can experience severe and long-lasting reactions from the assault.
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How do survivors experience disclosing sexual assault?
Unfortunately, many myths and misunderstandings about sexual assault continue to exist.
Many survivors therefore struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, and many find it difficult to tell other people about the assault.
The people around the survivor may also hesitate to ask about the sexual assault. As a result, many survivors cope in silence. Opening up and talking to someone about the assault can, however, be a positive experience for many.
What can survivors do to feel better?
Some survivors can find it helpful to:
- Be kind to yourself and do things at your own pace.
- Resume daily routines when you are ready.
- Engage in activities that bring peace and happiness.
- Spend time with loved ones.
- Let others help you and talk about the assault if it feels right.
- Help others who have experienced assault.
Someone I care about have experienced an assault. What should I do?
Relatives and friends can be a vital source of support, comfort, and security for survivors. Here are some ways to help:
- Listen to the survivor without judging, interrupting, or criticizing. Show and tell them that you believe them. Be open to talking about the assault but also respect if they do not wish to talk about it.
- Offer to help survivors by making their lives a little easier or by reaching out to formal sources of support, but don’t pressure survivors into taking certain actions. Allow the survivor to maintain control over their own life and respect their choices and boundaries.
- Educate yourself about sexual assault and its impact on survivors. Learn about the rights and options available to survivors, so you can provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
Close friends and relatives of survivors can also experience emotional reactions to the assault. Witnessing someone you love struggle can be incredibly challenging. The Danish Centers of sexual assault also offer support to survivors’ loved ones.