Susan Junis, LMSWJessica Schmeckpeper, BSHS

What It’s Like:Practical Tools for Empowering Teen Victims of Sexual Assault

Risky Business 2012

Welcome!

Who are we?•Susan and Jessica Introductions•Certified Sexual Abuse Counselors•Education Coordinators•Employees at RVAP in Iowa City

RVAP

Rape Victim Advocacy ProgramLocated in Iowa City

Services• 24-hour Rape Crisis Line

• 800.284.7821• Medical, Legal and School Advocacy

• Counseling • Support

• Information

Who are you?

•Name•Where are you from?•Why are you interested in this issue?

What It’s Like Activity

Important Facts about Sexual Assault

• In 93% of sexual assaults among adolescents, the perpetrator and the victim know each other

• 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18

• 16-19 year-olds experience the highest rates of sexual assault

• Only about 4% of sexual assaults involve a traditional weapon (knife or gun)-Trust is the #1 weapon

• Alcohol is the #1 date rape drug

Victim Impact•Nightmares, flashbacks•Denial, trying to “get over it” and forget •No timeline or formula for recovery, everyone copes in different ways •World is shaken and turned upside down3 times more likely to suffer from depression. 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.13 times more likely to abuse alcohol. 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

Wounded Life Issues

• Sometimes teens don’t recognize actions as abuse

• Many teens will never tell an adult (if they tell anyone it will be a friend)

• Fear of rejection and judgment by their friends and peers

• Fear of retaliation by their partner or hurting their partner’s feelings

• Gossip among teens

Barriers to getting help

Barriers to getting help

• Teens may believe that adults will not respect their confidences

• Losing independence from their parents

• Fear that people won’t understand, or will blame them

• Not knowing where to get help or how to leave

• Embarrassment

• Underage drinking or drug abuse

How to help a friend

Believe

ListenAllow your friend to

make decisions

Let your friend know that you DON'T blame

him/her

Assure him/her that

you careMaintain

confidentiality

Make a safety plan

Offer to go to RVAP with

him/her

Thank You!

Questions?