People who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered are not free from sexual assault. Whatever the circumstances of the assault, they may have additional fears and concerns specifically related to their sexual orientation. These concerns may be not only about the assault, but about how they will be treated by the health professionals, law enforcement, legal professionals, their friends and family and/or their partner. There may be fear that one’s sexual orientation will be seen as the central issue to health care providers, instead of the assault. Some may fear losing custody of their children, if family or a former partner learns of his/her sexual orientation.

In addition to sexual assault that occurs within the context of a relationship, people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered also experience high levels of violent acts perpetrated by people who are heterosexual but who are not tolerant or accepting of nonheterosexual people. In many cases when lesbians are assaulted, it happens simply because they are female. For women who have rarely or never experienced heterosexual intercourse, forcible penetration may be particularly frightening or painful.

When sexual assaults are perpetrated against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered as a way of “punishing” them because of their sexual orientation, these assaults tend to be more violent and often cause more injuries than other sexual assaults. These acts are also hate crimes. It is important to remember that an assault is never the victim’s fault.

Everyone has the right to be provided with nonjudgmental services.
Call 1-800-656-HOPE for free, confidential support and help.

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• numb
  
• disorganized and confused
  
• unable to talk about it
  
• they want to forget it ever
  
• happened
  
• emotionally upset and tearful
  
• very calm
  
• distrustful of others
  

Later, survivors may feel:

• helpless
  
• depressed
  
• angry—suspicious of others
  
• afraid
  
• irritable
  
• guilty
  
• apathetic
  
• alone, isolated
  
• vulnerable
  
• nervous
  
• impatient
  

Some survivors may wonder if they are going crazy because of the strong feelings they have. Survivors may swing from one emotion to another, thinking that they have lost control. It is important to remember that this is a common response to a very stressful event.

Survivors may also have nightmares, insomnia, changes in eating habits, nausea, stomach pains and flashbacks. It may seem that they are reliving the rape all over again. Remember that recovery takes time. It can be helpful for them to talk to someone who will understand and support them through this difficult time.

Survivors may ask “Why me?” or “What did I do to cause this to happen?”. It is important to remember that the responsibility for the rape lies with the rapist. Rape has nothing to do with the way someone looked, walked or dressed. Sexual assault is a crime of aggression, humiliation and power.

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