Transcript What It’s Like:Practical Tools for Empowering Teen Victims

Susan Junis, LMSW
Jessica 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 Program
Located in Iowa City
Services
•24-hour Rape Crisis Line
•800.284.7821
•Medical, Legal and School Advocacy
•Counseling
•Support
•Information
•Name
•Where are you from?
•Why are you interested in this issue?
Who are you?
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 down
3 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
•
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
Listen
Allow your
friend to
make
decisions
Offer to go to
RVAP with
him/her
Believe
Make a
safety plan
Maintain
confidentiality
Assure
him/her that
you care
Let your friend
know that you
DON'T blame
him/her
Thank You!
Questions?