TOPIC INDEX    		 Sexual Abuse
    Sexual assault is a broad term that can include various kinds of sexually motivated violence. Sexual assault in same-sex relationships has been an under-reported and rarely discussed phenomenon. Sexual assault and coercion can take place within the context of an already established same-sex domestic partnership, or in a same-sex dating relationship. A stranger, a stalker, an acquaintance or a family member can also initiate sexual victimization. Some incidents of gay-bashing and bias related crime involve sexual abuse of the victim. Abusers who target lesbian and gay people may be homosexual or heterosexual. Many assaults are directed towards gender variant people.

    One reason these assaults are under-reported is because gathering accurate statistics is extremely difficult; the statistics we have are assumed to be conservative, since most victims simply do not report an assault, and this is probably disproportionately true for men and people of color since they do not expect consistent and respectful treatment from the law enforcement, criminal justice, medical, and judicial systems. Further complicating the matter is the fact that the research on sexual assault has been compiled using participants who are assumed to be heterosexual.

    Police estimate that 80% of sexual assaults occur between individuals who know one another. It's not reasonable to assume that LGBT individuals are victims of sexual assault at the same rate as the heterosexual community. But an additional factor is that sexual assaults have been perpetrated as acts of homophobia and hate crimes.

    As with Domestic Violence, there are a number of myths about Sexual Assault in LGBT Community.

    • MYTH: Lesbians can't rape each other.
      Why not? Sexual assault does not require penetration. This myth results from rigid thinking; that the only kind of rape is that of a man against a woman.

    • MYTH: Lesbian assault isn't "as traumatizing" for the victim.
      Again...why not? In some ways it may be even more traumatic.

    • MYTH: Gay men don't rape.
      The stereotypical gay man doesn't rape, but that stereotype is not real.

    • MYTH: Men always want sex.
      This is another of those generalizations propagated by the media and depictions of 'dirty old men.' The joke simply is not funny.

    • MYTH: Male on male rape is "gay" sex.
      The best evidence against this occurs in prisons. Many men "rape" other inmates while incarcerated, but once outside live totally heterosexual lives and do not consider themselves as ever being gay.

    • MYTH: Heterosexual sex will make an LGBT person straight.
      If it were that simple, the groups who claim homosexuality can be cured would be operating brothels.

    The needs of sexual assault victims apply to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. If you have been a victim of sexual assault there are some concrete steps you can take:

    • Validate, empathize with, and believe in the person's experience
    • Support that the assault was in no way the victim's fault
    • Assist in seeking out medical treatment as soon after the assault as possible
    • Complete a Rape Kit (for men and women); these are administered in the emergency room by SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) at many hospitals. These kits are kept by the hospital for 30 days to allow the victim to decide if she or he wants to report the incident to the police.
    • Screen and treat for sexually transmitted diseases as soon as possible.
    • Advocate with the police and in court, if the victim chooses to report the incident.
    • Assist in accessing the Crime Victim's Board for compensation for items lost, stolen or destroyed as part of the assault.
    • Provide counsel and support for post-trauma concerns.
    • Refer the victim to the Rape Crisis Service program in the individual's county for help with these concerns.

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    The information provided by Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to render medical advice or professional services. The information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your healthcare provider.
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