Recognize
the signs
There is no ‘typical’ victim-survivor of sexual violence, and many myths and stereotypes about who experiences it. In reality, anyone can experience sexual violence, though women and young adults are statistically at higher risk. We tend to believe lots of myths about sexual violence, for example that it happens on a night out, when a victim-survivor has been drinking, or is wearing particular clothing – we do not tend to think about it happening to people undertaking regular activities during their day. Victim-blaming is common in cases of sexual violence, where individuals are held responsible for their experiences, such as questioning why Maggie was running alone or helping a stranger. This harmful practice shifts the responsibility for the crime away from the perpetrator and discourages individuals from seeking help.
Maggie has experienced sexual violence (sexual assault) by a stranger. Maggie may have experienced physical violence, restraint, force, or threat during the assault, and she may have been incapacitated in some way, or the assault may have been filmed. Regardless of the specific circumstances of her sexual assault, Maggie did not wish to engage in sexual activity with this stranger and did not give her consent. If Maggie had known, or was in an intimate, dating or romantic relationship with the perpetrator, any sexual activity without her consent is still assault.
Sexual violence is harmful, and Maggie may be facing poor mental health, including trauma symptoms, anxiety and depression, and problems with her physical health. She may also have injuries from the assault. Maggie may try to hide her feelings, but she may, for example, become cautious of other people and, given that her attacker was a man, colleagues might notice that she avoids being in close proximity with male colleagues. Maggie may also avoid being in confined spaces or remote locations; she may avoid taking the lift or going to certain parts of the building. Maggie may have difficulty concentrating which could make complicated tasks harder, or she may seem distracted in meetings. Maggie may look tired and anxious; she may seem quieter and distracted.