The 101 on Rape Victims:
So, on many RP’s there are characters who have been sexually abused, sexually assaulted, molested and raped. This subject is not one to be taken lightly.
Most people who RP these characters, have possibly never suffered from it, or been a victim of it themselves.
I see people RP it, and it makes me feel slightly sick when they do it wrong. Your character can’t have one ‘break down’ and suddenly be completely ‘back to normal’.
There are many different ways people deal with the aftermath of rape, or sexual abuse in any form:
Some victims find the event so traumatizing, they just don’t talk. They are nearly completely mute. They are withdrawn, and it might not be the ‘funnest’ or whatever to RP- but it is realistic.
Victims find it extremely hard to trust anybody. They don’t like being touched, they’re quite claustrophobic. Sometimes it’s even more towards the opposite gender. If a boy has been sexually abused by an Aunt, it could possibly make him nervous and scared around other older, authoritative women in his life.
Sometimes it’s the complete opposite, and victims throw around their body because they truly think, all anybody wants from them is their body. They believe it’s better to just give it, then to have it taken from them again. It feels as if they are in control.
Victims who have been sexually abused as a kid, by someone who is of the same gender, are about 70% more likely of becoming homosexual, or attracted to that of the same gender.
Victims overall, just like to feel like for once theyare in control of what will happen. Often times this can lead to eating disorders, sexualised behavior, self harm because they believe now they are in control of themselves and what they feel.
Sexual Abuse upon children:
Children who have been/ are sexually abused in their lives often can become extremely clingy. Mostly due to the fact that they need a sense of safety and security in their life.
Nightmares are not uncommon. With nightmares, a common side effect can be bed wetting. Children associate bedtime with trauma and being alone. The dark can be even more frightening for them.
Anger is extremely common, children want to believe that they aren’t going to get hurt again. They can become either extremely withdrawn and quiet, or aggressive, starting fights and such.
Sometimes children have thoughts ingrained in their mind, like ‘If i’m happy when i go to sleep tonight, bad things will happen’.
Sexual abuse to minors from close family friends or family members, often happens because they can sense a dysfunction in the family. A crack in their family dynamic.
Sexual Abuse upon School Children:
Children more often then not can suffer from PTSD, Depression, suicidal idealisation, ADHD, extremely poor and low self esteem .
Children who have been sexually abused are four times more likely to self harm in their lives.
Victims can become very secretive. They will not know how to communicate what is wrong, or how to deal with everything that’s building up. The victim will believe that they are protecting others by not reporting any incidents.
Later in life, people who have been sexually abused younger can have personality disorders as well as problems maintaining steady relationships.
Sexual Abuse upon teenagers:
51% of teenagers report the sexual abuse
Teenagers believe firmly it is their fault. They think that they are disgusting or unwanted and they deserved what they got.
They will either retract themselves into a shell, complete isolation or push themselves out into risky behavior such as drugs, drinking, partying etc.
Victims will usually have negative imagery of themselves. They will find it nearly impossible to accept a compliment or anything nice directed towards them.
Reckless behavior is another common effect of suffering from sexual abuse. Victims will find it hard to think that they still have a future, they believe that the abuse defines who they are.
Symptoms of Sexual Abuse:
Common Symptoms for Adult victims of sexual abuse
Affects of Sexual Abuse and Questions to ask yourself
Long term effects of Child Sexual Abuse
The different types of rape and rapists
Different forms of sexual assault
Facts and figures of sexual abuse over the last few years
