What Should I Do?

• Find a safe environment — anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.
• Know that what happened was not your fault and that now you should do what is best for you.
• Report the attack to police by calling 911. A counselor on the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE can help you understand the process.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth.
  • Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
  • Ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam to preserve forensic evidence.
  • If you suspect you were drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
  • Ask to be taken to Sarah's House Child & Family Advocacy Center
• If you know that you will never report, still consider:
  • Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1.800.656.HOPE.
• Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
• Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline or the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.

Get You Gala Tickets Today

Less than 6 weeks to our Annual Gala Fundraiser! Time is flying buy and the tickets are selling fast so don't wait to buy yours! Go online to: http://sarahshouseaz.org/Events.html and buy yours now! Do not miss out on this one of a kind evening to support Sarah's House!

Vice President Joe Bidan Speaks Out

In an exciting move, Vice President Joe Biden kicked off Sexual Assault Awareness Month by clarifying and correcting the existing guidelines for universities receiving Title IX funding on how to address issues of sexual assault. These guidelines are not new, but an official reminder of their existence is important, especially since Yale is currently being investigated for violating them.
“Students across the country deserve the safest possible environment in which to learn,” said Vice President Biden. “That’s why we’re taking new steps to help our nation’s schools, universities and colleges end the cycle of sexual violence on campus.”
Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, also appeared with Biden at the University of New Hampshire, where they presented the guidelines. If you’re interested in watching the whole speech, it’s available on Youtube. The gist, though, is that the school has a responsibility to internally investigate sexual assault allegations, even if criminal charges haven’t been filed and needs an employee whose job it is to make sure that the university is complying with Title IX. The report, which takes the form of a letter, also highlights schools’ responsibilities to prevent the “hostile environment” created by rape:
“If a school knows or reasonably should know about student-on-student harassment that creates a hostile environment,” the letter reads, “Title IX requires the school to take immediate action to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence and address its effects.”
The report also cites disturbing statistics from a 2007 Justice Department report, which claimed that 1 in 5 college women and 1 in 16 college men are victims or attempted or actual sexual assault.
As a college student, it’s really heartening to see the vice president stepping up to address these issues, which are often not handled effectively or openly by universities. These institutions are usually more concerned with protecting their image (which involves denying that sexual assault occurs) than they are in seeking justice for the survivors of sexual assault. I’ve written in the past year about two sexual assault cases at Notre Dame which show just how damaging a school’s insensitivity to these issues can be. It’s great to know that Biden is stepping up to make sure that these guidelines are enforced, and that he is willing to publicly acknowledge that universities need to do much, much more to make sure that sexual assault is correctly addressed on their campuses.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/joe-biden-issues-new-sexual-assault-guidelines-for-public-universities.html#ixzz1Yn2iZKjj

Long Term Effects of Sexual Assault-Day 4

There are many emotional and psychological reactions that victims of rape and sexual assault can experience. One of the most common of these is depression.
The term "depression" can be confusing since many of the symptoms are experienced by people as normal reactions to events in their life. At some point or another during one's life, everyone feels sad or "blue." This also means that recognizing depression can be difficult since the symptoms can easily be attributed to other causes. These feelings are perfectly normal, especially during difficult times.
Depression becomes something more than just normal feelings of sadness when the symptoms last for more than two weeks. Therefore, if you experience five or more of the symptoms of depression over the course of two weeks you should consider talking to your doctor about what you are experiencing.

The symptoms for depression include:

• Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
• Change in appetite with significant weight loss (without dieting) or weight gain
• Loss of energy or persistent fatigue or lethargy
• Significant change in sleep patterns (insomnia, sleeping too much, fitful sleep, etc.)
• Loss of interest and pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, social withdrawal.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or inappropriate guilt
• Pessimism or indifference
• Unexplained aches and pains (headaches, stomachaches)
• Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
• Irritability, worry, anger, agitation, or anxiety
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Depression can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it is not something that someone can make him/herself "snap out of."

---

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Text Revision, fourth edition, 2000

Long Term Effects of Sexual Assault-Day 3

Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on himself or herself, usually in secret. Some victims of sexual assault may use self-harm to cope with the difficult or painful feelings, but it is only a temporary relief, not a healthy way to deal with the trauma of sexual assault. Self-harm can cause permanent damage to the body, as well as additional psychological problems that hinder the healing process, such as guilt, depression, low self-esteem or self-hatred, along with a tendency toward isolation.¹
Note: Deliberate self-harm is not necessarily inflicted with suicidal intent, and engaging in self-harm does not necessarily mean that someone wants to die.
Those who inflict harm on themselves may believe it “helps” them cope with their experiences and their emotions. For sexual assault victims, self injury may:¹

• Provide a way to express difficult or hidden feelings.
  • It’s common for victims to feel numb or empty as a result of sexual assault.
  • Engaging in self-harm may provide a temporary sense of feeling again, as well as a way to express anger, sadness, grief or emotional pain.
• Provide a way of communicating to others that support is needed.
• Provide a distraction from emotional pain.
• Provide self-punishment for what they believe they deserve.
• Provide proof that they are not invisible.
• Provide a feeling of control: It’s not uncommon to feel that self-harm is the only way to have a sense of control over life, feelings, body, especially if other things in life are out of control.

Some common methods of self-harm include:¹

• Cutting
• Burning
• Biting
• Hitting the body
• Pulling out hair
• Scratching and picking at sores on skin
• Eating Disorders
• Substance Abuse

Friends and family of sexual assault victims may be among the first to recognize the signs of self-injury. It may be helpful for a survivor to share their experiences and concerns with a qualified service provider who can help him or her find a healthier, positive alternative to alleviate the pain from sexual assault, such as a counselor or psychologist.¹

• It may be helpful for the survivor to have the help and support of a loved one while finding a counselor.
• If the survivor feels that talking with someone is too overwhelming, you can urge him or her to write down the problem.

Following are alternatives to self-harm that may help the survivor until he or she is able to meet with a professional:¹

• Recognize the choices you have NOW; ask yourself what YOU need.
• Choose to put off self-harm for specific amounts of time until a professional can be contacted (e.g., 15 minute increments).
• Countdown to relaxation (10… 9… 8… 7…); start meditation exercises; pay attention to your breathing and the rhythmic motions of your body.
• Write in a diary or journal.
• Make a list of people you can call for support; connect with others (group, one-on-one).
• Plan something new and exciting to do with friends.
• Take up a craft (needlework, quilting, painting, etc.).
• Play video games, listen to the radio, watch television as a distraction.

It is important to eat well, exercise and be kind to oneself. While not a solution in itself, doing all these things contributes to increased mood stability, and a general better sense of well being that will provide a greater sense of happiness on the inside and outside.¹
If you or someone you know is contemplating self-harm, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit the Online Hotline at online.rainn.org.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 911 immediately. If there’s no one in your life that you feel comfortable talking to about your suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK.

Long Term Effects of Sexual Assault- Day 2

Victims of rape or sexual assault may turn to alcohol or other substances in an attempt to relieve their emotional suffering. In the U.S., victims of sexual assault report higher levels of psychological distress and the consumption of alcohol than non-victims, in part, to self-medicate.¹ Some victims use substances to cope with the reality of what happened to them or to cope with the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a common reaction to an extreme situation like sexual assault. However, it is not a healthy way to deal with the trauma of sexual assault and can cause additional problems, such as addiction or dependence, that hinder the healing process.
Survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse in childhood may abuse drugs to help them “numb out” and push away the painful memories of sexual violence. Victims may also turn to drugs instead of true recovery resources, such as counseling; they may not think that friends or family will understand them, they may not know where to access recovery resources, or they may be embarrassed to talk about what happened.
Friends and family of sexual assault victims may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. Warning signs include:²

• Giving up past activities or hobbies
• Spending time with new friends who may be a negative influence
• Declining grades or performance at work
• Aggressiveness, irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Disappearing money or valuables from family and friends
• Lying
• Depression or hopelessness
• Avoiding friends and family
• Drinking and driving or getting in trouble with the law
• Suspension from school or work

When compared to non-victims, rape survivors are 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana, 6 times more likely to use cocaine, and 10 times more likely to use other major drugs.

Following are common substances that some victims use subsequent to sexual assault:²

• Alcohol
  • Alcohol depresses the brain, lessens inhibitions, slurs speech, decreases muscle control and coordination, and may lead to alcoholism.
  • For most adults, moderate alcohol use (which causes few, if any, problems) consists of up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people.³ A strong need or urge to drink past this, or an inability to stop drinking once drinking has begun may be the beginning signs of alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence.³
  • Alcohol is the most common cause of liver failure in the U.S. The drug can cause heart enlargement and cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, and stomach.
  • Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, irregular heartbeat, tremor, seizures, and hallucinations. When combined with malnutrition, it can lead to a life threatening condition called delirium tremens (DTs), literally shaking or trembling.
• Tobacco
  • The primary substance in tobacco cigarettes is nicotine, but smoke contains thousands of other chemicals that are also damaging.
  • Smoking is responsible for nearly a half million deaths each year. Other hazards include heart disease, lung cancer and emphysema, peptic ulcer disease and stroke.
  • Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, hunger, sleep disturbances and depression.
• Marijuana
  • Marijuana (also known as “grass,” “pot,” “weed,” or “herb”) produces an active ingredient called THC, which provides a high level of intoxication. The drug is typically smoked, but it can also be eaten.
  • Common effects of marijuana use include impaired coordination and memory.
  • Its smoke irritates the lungs of users and contains more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco smoke.
• Cocaine
  • Derived from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be smoked, injected, snorted or swallowed; the intensity and duration of the drug’s effects depend on which method is used.
  • Cocaine (also known as “crack,” “coke,” “snow,” or “rock”) is said to bring on paranoia, constriction of blood vessels leading to heart damage or stroke, irregular heartbeat, kidney and lung failure, and death.
  • Withdrawal symptoms may include depression and reduced energy.
• Heroin
  • Effects of heroin intoxication may include drowsiness and slowed breathing. Overdose may result in death from decreased breathing. Because heroin is usually injected, often with dirty needles, use of the drug can trigger other health complications including destruction of heart valves, HIV/AIDS, infections, tetanus, and botulism.
  • Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and can include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion, aches and sweating.
• Methamphetamines
  • Methamphetamine (also known as “meth,” “crank,” “ice,” “speed,” or “crystal”) is a powerful stimulant that may decrease appetite. It can be snorted, injected, smoked or eaten.
  • Much like cocaine, “meth” may cause heart attacks, dangerously high blood pressure and strokes.
  • Withdrawal symptoms include depression, abdominal cramps, and increased appetite. Other long-term effects include paranoia, hallucinations, weight loss, destruction of teeth and heart damage.

Finding Treatment

Most substance abusers believe they can stop using drugs on their own, but many who try do not succeed. Research shows that long-term drug use alters brain function and strengthens compulsions to use drugs. This craving continues even after the drug use stops. Because of these ongoing cravings, the most important component of treatment is preventing relapse.²
It may be helpful for a survivor to share their experiences and concerns with a qualified service provider (i.e. counselor or psychologist).⁴ A general physician can suggest community resources as well as prescribe medications to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the user seeks further help.
If you feel you are suffering from substance abuse:

• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask for help.
• Contact the free Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Helpline.
  • 1.800.662.HELP(4357)
• Contact your doctor.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from a cough that won’t go away, fever, continuing feelings of depression, jaundice, mild tremors, leg swelling or increased abdominal girth.
• Call 911 or go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately if you are suffering from severe abdominal pain, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, severe tremors, numbness, or suicidal thoughts.

If you know or suspect someone you love is suffering from substance abuse:²

• Contact the free Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Helpline for support and advice on helping your loved one.
  • 1.800.662.HELP (4357)
• Do not “cover up” for your loved one. It is important that he or she get the help that they deserve.
• Choose a time to speak with your loved one when he or she is sober, when both of you are fairly calm, and when you have a chance to talk in private. It is also best to speak to your loved one shortly after a substance-related problem has occurred (like a serious family argument or accident).
• Gather information in advance about treatment options in your community. If the person is willing to get help, call right away for an appointment, and offer to go with him or her for support.

Long Term Effects Of Sexual Assault, Day One

Each day we will post another side effect of sexual assault. Here is the first one:

After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards. In particular, survivors of sexual violence may experience severe feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While it is natural to have some of these symptoms after a traumatic event, if they last more than a few weeks and become an ongoing problem, it might be PTSD. If left untreated, the symptoms of PTSD can grow worse and last for months or even years.ⁱ
Symptoms
As classified by the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into three main categoriesⁱⁱ:

• Re-Experiencing
  This is a repeated reliving of the event, and interferes with daily activity. This category includes flashbacks, frightening thoughts, recurrent memories or dreams, and physical reactions to situations that remind you of the event.
• Avoidance
  These symptoms stem from the desire of a person to change their routine to escape similar situations to the trauma. Victims might avoid places, events, or objects that remind them of the experience. Emotions related to avoidance are numbness, guilt, and depression. Some have a decreased ability to feel certain emotions, like happiness. They also might be unable to remember major parts of the trauma, and feel that their future offers less possibilities than other people have.
• Hyper-arousal
  Hyper-arousal symptoms are all physiological. They include difficulty concentrating or falling asleep; being easily startled; feeling tense, and ‘on edge’; and angry outbursts. These can sum up to make it difficult for victims of PTSD to complete normal daily tasks.

Children and teens may experience different symptoms from adults, which may includeⁱⁱⁱ:

• Bedwetting
• Inability to talk
• Acting out the assault during playtime
• Being unusually clingy with a parent or other trusted adult

Diagnosis is best left in the hands of a medical professional^iv. Coming to a conclusion of PTSD usually occurs because of the presence of the symptoms listed above, the duration of those symptoms, as well as psychiatric and physical testing to rule out other diagnoses.
Treatment
Getting treatment as soon as possible after PTSD symptoms develop maybe prevent the disorder from becoming a long-term condition. It is important to be treated by a medical professional with knowledge of PTSD.
There are a range of treatment options for patients suffering from PTSD. Everyone is different, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. The type of therapy that may be best for a patient depends on a number of factors that s/he and the health care professional can discuss. Experts at the Mayo Clinic, outline the following treatments for PTSD, which may be used in combination^v:

• Cognitive therapy
  This form of “talk therapy” helps patients to identify and change self-destructive thought patterns.
• Cognitive behavior therapy
  CBT combines cognitive and behavioral therapy to help patients identify unhealthy beliefs/behaviors, and replace them with positive ones.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  EMDR combines exposure therapy with a series of guided eye movement that help patients process traumatic memories.
• Exposure therapy
  This form of behavioral therapy helps patients safely confront the memories or things that are upsetting or distributing, so that they can learn to cope effectively.
• Medications:
  Several types of medications can help symptoms of PTSD such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, concentration.
• Support Groups

In addition to receiving professional help, it’s important for persons with PTSD to take good care of themselves:

• Sleep between 6-7 hours every night; try to go to bed at the same time every night
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid making situations that could cause anxiety, anger or irritability
• Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and medication not prescribed

For Additional Help
If you know or suspect someone is suffering from PTSD:

• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Learn about PTSD, including available recovery resources and treatments.
• Remember that with time and treatment, victims of PTSD can see improved symptoms and effective management of the disorder.

Be A Voice

Aubry Ballard's Website

This site is awesome. http://www.aubryballard.com

Bring Domestic Violence Into The Light

Wow!

Did you know that EVERY 2 minutes there is a sexual assault in the U.S
213,000 assaults per year

2/3 of rape victims know their assailant.

60% of these rapes go unreported.

This must change. Sarah's house is a free service to ALL victims. Sarah's House is a safe and comfortable environment where victims do not have to be repeatedly traumatized. We do forensic evidence collection, videotaped interviews by law enforcement or other agencies and referrals to a safe haven. Our special trained S.A.N.E (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) nurses then testify in court to bring the offender to justice.

We also have victim advocates who work with the victim to get the services the victim needs to start the healing process. Together we can make these numbers drop! Together as a community, we can do anything!

Help us keep our doors open. Make a donation online at www.sarahshouseaz.org, buy tickets for the Gala online or volunteer your time. We need your support!