April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
In the wake of the #metoo movement and following the discussion surrounding the release of the Epstein files, this April is a timely moment to shine a light on a cause that has been popping up in headlines across the country with alarming frequency, so the Herald-Advocate reached out to Bennettsville Police Chief Sammy Crosland for tips on how to stay safe and advice for navigating the reporting process.
Defining the issue
When discussing sexual assault awareness, it is important to define what it is. Chief Crosland says sexual assault and abuse is generally defined as any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim.
“This can include acts such as rape, attempted rape, fondling, or any form of sexual coercion. Legally, consent must be freely given, informed, and mutual. Any situation involving force, threats, intimidation, or a victim who is unable to consent due to age, impairment, or mental capacity constitutes a criminal offense. While specific legal definitions may vary by state, the central element is the absence of consent,” Crosland explains.
Reporting the assault
Victims can feel ashamed after the assault—sometimes wondering if the attack occurred because of something they did wrong. It can be challenging to get up the nerve to report the incident, and many survivors fear they will not be believed, will be laughed off, or blamed by family, friends, health professionals, and law enforcement.
If you have never had a need to file an incident report as a victim at the police station, the idea of having to do so can be frightening.
After making a report, a medical examination will also need to be conducted—further, traumatizing the victim with invasive procedures needed to collect evidence.
Once evidence is collected a trial is held. This is when the victim should be looking forward to justice but is instead now re-living their trauma every day before their attacker in court.
Even so, Chief Crosland encourages reporting as a necessary step.
“My advice is for victims to understand that their safety and well-being are top priority,” Chief Crosland says, adding, “Law enforcement officers and victim advocates are trained to handle these cases with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Victims should also know that they are not alone, and there are resources available to support them through the reporting process. Speaking with a trusted individual, advocate, or officer can help make the process feel less overwhelming. Reporting can also help ensure that incidents are documented and that offenders are held accountable.”
Lasting effects
Survivors of sexual assault are left with scars.
Consequences from the brutal acts they have endured can cause damage not just to their psyche, but also to the whole-body system wide.
Survivors often suffer from feelings of guilt, blame, shame, anger, and anxiety; the emotional bricks paving the road to depression. Victims report these feelings are residual—often occurring years, even decades, away from the assault.
Mental deterioration often begets physical ill health and vice versa. The erosion of person many survivors feel after being assaulted may lead to bouts of mourning one’s former self, overwhelming fatigue, insomnia, headaches, nausea, dizziness, debilitating anxiety, sadness, and an inability to protect oneself or feel safe, amongst other symptoms.
Stress effects all systems of the body, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, and other serious health issues for survivors of sexual assault.
Trauma from the incident can cause some survivors to feel stunted in life following their experience. It can be hard for them to move past their pain, find a way to manage their emotions appropriately, trust others, have relationships, and avoid triggers. It can be hard for a survivor to feel safe “just living their life” again.
Smells, certain fabrics, sounds, and sights can be triggers for a survivor, dragging them instantly back to that moment in time.
Feeling alone
The crime of sexual assault usually occurs in the shadows, survivors often feel they are swept under the proverbial rug, and discussing the subject is still seen as taboo in most polite circles. Understandably, these “societal norms” can foster feelings of isolation in survivors—If they can’t even name it, how can anyone understand how I feel? Am I irrevocably damaged?
Luckily, despite how a survivor may feel, they are not damaged, they are a survivor, and they are not alone.
Approximately 443,635 to 433,648 individual Americans report experiencing some type of sexual assault each year. If the #metoo movement and the conversation surrounding the Epstein Files have taught us anything, it is most of these cases occur in secret—meaning a more accurate number is probably much higher than is reported.
For some it can be comforting when a celebrity puts a face on an experience or issue, they are struggling with, and many celebrities who also happen to be survivors of sexual assault have used their public platforms to advocate for others.
Proving the physically tough can be victims too, former NBA player Constance Wu is very vocal about her assault and how her experience has impacted her life.
Known for her eccentric personality, openness regarding her health struggles, and advocacy work, singer Lady Gaga has also been outspoken regarding difficulties she’s faced following her assault.
Confirming sexual assault also impacts men, actors Brendan Frasier and the late James Van Der Beek have both discussed their assaults. Their experiences led both men to use their celebrity status to advocate for other men who may feel embarrassed to come forward.
Talking to kids and teens
Chief Crosland says the role a parent plays in advocating for and educating their children is paramount.
“Parents play a critical role in educating their children about safety and respect. Conversations should begin early and be age-appropriate, focusing on personal boundaries and respect for others (which is not easy to come by these days). Parents should encourage open communication, so children feel comfortable discussing concerns without fear of punishment or judgment. It is also important to teach the concept of consent and reinforce that inappropriate behavior is never acceptable. Additionally, parents should discuss online safety with their children, as many interactions today occur through social media and digital platforms,” Crosland says.
Chief Crosland’s tips and advice
Crosland points out residents need to always remain aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts if a situation feels unsafe. He says it is also important for community members to look out for one another, particularly in social environments where individuals may be vulnerable.
“If you see something, say something because it helps someone who can’t call or defend themselves during a critical incident. Understanding that consent must always be clear and freely given is essential. Community members should also be aware that resources such as crisis centers, advocacy groups, and law enforcement are available to assist victims. By educating ourselves and supporting one another, we can work together to create a safer community for everyone.”
There are many resources available and for those struggling locally, the Pee Dee Coalition, located at 108 Parsonage Street, Bennettsville, is always ready to assist survivors. The Pee Dee Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the reduction of sexual assault, family violence and child abuse, and to the needs of victims.