If the alleged assailant is a Saddleback College student or the assault occurred on campus or District property, report the assault to Campus Police (949) 582-4585 whether or not you plan to file charges. Reporting a rape or other act of sexual violence does not commit you to filing charges. When you make your report, have someone go with you. You can go the next day, but the sooner the better. Rarely do rapists attack one person only; they get away with it and so, they continue to do it.
Whether the assault occurred on-campus or off-campus, if the alleged assailant is a Saddleback College student, faculty or staff member, file a report with Campus Police, the Vice President of Student Services and with local authorities.
Pressing charges can be a complicated process and the decision to file charges may be difficult. Each person must decide for themselves, based on their own circumstances. If you need support to make this decision, campus counselors are available in the Student Health Center (949) 582-4606.
Do not blame yourself. Victims of sexual assault experience a state that resembles acute grief. Their basic feelings of wholeness, strength, trust, self-control and self-confidence are often lost. The victim’s attempts to stop the attacker did not work — they were powerless. This feeling of powerlessness can be devastating to the victim. Many are unable to talk about their experience unless they are directly asked about it.The trauma of being victimized is often long-lasting. Although each person reacts differently, there are some reactions that are common. These reactions include:
Shock, Disbelief, Numbness, Withdrawal
Preoccupation with thoughts and feelings about the assault
Unwanted memories, flashbacks, and/or nightmares
Intense emotions: anger, fear, anxiety, depression
Physical symptoms: sleep disturbance, headaches, stomach aches
Inability to concentrate, lower grades
Loss of interest in sex
Fears about safety
Feelings of guilt and shame
Be compassionate with yourself. Even if your body responded sexually to the attacker, it does not mean you "enjoyed" the experience or that it is your fault. Even if you believe you were naïve, not cautious, or even foolish, it is not your fault. You have been through a trauma and need to make space for your own emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual healing. You may be overwhelmed by many different emotions - fear, grief, guilt, shame, rage. It is important to seek support. There are many different options, such as talking with a campus counselor, joining a victims group or talking with a friend. People who receive counseling tend to recover from their experiences faster and with fewer lasting effects than those who get no help. Recovery from sexual assaults means that, over time, you are not thinking about the assault and your emotions are not dominated by it. You will be able to envision a positive, happy and successful future for yourself.
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