Sexual Assault - What Is It ?????

How many times have you asked the question was I just sexually assaulted? How many times have you thought, this doesn't feel right but were unsure of what just transpired? There are the blatant overt acts that we all know of as sexual assault but it is the ones that receive less attention that leave us questioning whether or not we were actually sexually assaulted. “Sexual Assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do no agree to, including: inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, oral penetration, sexual intercourse that you say no to, rape, attempted rape, child molestation. Sexual Assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.”(Womenshealth.gov) So many don’t know where to turn when unsure as to whether or not they have been victimized. If it feels wrong then it probably was, trust your instincts, trust your judgment, you know when something feels wrong.

Sexual Assault is very difficult to deal with and address. Knowing whether or not one has been violated makes taking the next step easier. I have found that in St.Lucia we are not all aware of the various forms of sexual assault. We have been told to fear those we don’t know and to be on the look out for the male abuser. Sexual Assault is usually perpetrated by someone known to you, and while the larger majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by males, females can and do commit sexual assaults. We ask that if you are unsure whether you were sexually assaulted, that you contact us and ask any questions you may have. Part of what we are trying to do is not only raise awareness and provide information but to educate and provide support. We know that many are concerned with confidentiality and we want to reiterate that with us you need not be concerned about that. We are attempting to provide services desperately needed but not found in St.Lucia. We have started a rape support group and are opening it up to anyone who would like to seek aid on their healing journey. Many feel that they are alone on this journey, you are not sadly many around you are dealing with the some of the same things you are. Sexual assault has the distinct nature of making survivors feel alone, ashamed and guilty; we at PROSAF are here to let you know that while we can’t turn back the hands of time we can help make the future brighter. Suffering in silence is no longer the only option. Maya Angelou said” There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” You have been through enough, take the time to start moving forward and start healing. We have started conducting the second part of the study and welcome all who want to participate; we understand the strength it takes to come forward and share your story, we also understand that you may not be ready to take that step; know that we are here and that you have support. We are working  to make it better for you, for St.Lucians.

Sexual Assault is something that was done to you, you are not defined by it. There is hope for a better and brighter future. You can contact us even if you are not ready to participate in the study and only want to talk. We are here. You are not alone. We know Christmas is coming up and this can be a difficult time for some; feel free to reach out to us.