Crisis Center for Women, Sexual Assault

Crisis Center

Abuse

Kid's Room

Sexual Assault/Rape

How Could This Happen to Me?

This is a question that surfaces when anyone is experiencing pain. As a survivor of rape you are going through a particularly difficult experience; you are experiencing both physical and emotional pain. A major part of your trauma has to do with the emotional pain, or painful sensations. These are called feelings. The first step to coping with painful feelings is to recognize them. Look at the following list of feelings and note the ones that apply to you:

Anger	Hostility	Confusion
Fear	Anguish	Shock
Shame	Anxiety	Guilt
Embarrassment	Low Self-Esteem	Depression
Sadness	Mistrust	Denial
Loss	Physical "Dirtiness"	Other
Loneliness	Loss of Control

As you can see, the feelings that are experienced by rape survivors like yourself are many. Don't be alarmed if you noted quite a few of these feelings. You are not alone in these experiences. Related to the painful feelings are some behavioral reactions that you may also experience. Again, behaviors such as those listed below are commonly experienced by rape survivors, so don't feel that such reactions are unusual. Note the behaviors that apply to you:

Difficulty concentrating	Desire to be alone
Lack of interest; apathy	Irritability
Change in eating patterns	Weight loss
Change in sleeping patterns	Nightmares
Disruption of sexual activity	Tearfulness

What to do If You are Raped

Get to a safe place.
Call the Police.
Call the rape crisis 24 hour hot line. In the Fort Smith, Arkansas area, the number is (479) 782-4956 and 1-800-359-0056 outside of Fort Smith..

Do Not shower or bathe, douche, eat, drink, urinate, or change clothes.

What about the Police?

Only you can decide whether or not to report the rape. (Some hospitals automatically contact the police if you are there seeking treatment for rape, but you are not obligated to make a crime report). "Reporting the rape" simply means informing the police about the crime (what happened, where it happened, and if possible, what your attacker looked like). It does not mean that you will necessarily prosecute or go to court. You may wish to seek Legal Information.

24 Hour Crisis Line: (479) 782-4956
1-800-359-0056 Toll Free Number
Crisis Center for Women

500 Lexington Avenue Suite A

Ft. Smith, AR 72901
Telephone: (479) 782-1821

Fax: (479) 782-9035