OASIS urges sexual assault survivors to seek services

If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, you are doing the right thing by getting more information.  Sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor.  No one deserves to be sexually assaulted.  The information on this website is designed to empower you to do the things you may need to do to heal.   

When we think of rape we often think about violent attacks involving a possible weapon.  More common are instances where two people know one another and the assault involves verbal or emotional coercion.  The physical and emotional reactions to a date rape can be just as powerful or the same as stranger rapes.  Some times rapes involve drug or alcohol consumption on the part of the survivor which may lead to self-blame.  No one deserves to be raped. 

It is important to think about your physical health.  Consider going to the hospital to receive treatment and information on possible sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.  Just because you go to the hospital doesn’t mean you have to press charges or call the police. If you would like support during your visit to the hospital, OASIS staff are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  Please have us paged by calling 264-3761 and we will help. 

Many survivors can experience psychological trauma in response to the attack which may involve both psychological and emotional changes such as stomach or digestive problems, headaches, or sleeplessness that they may not associate with the attack.  In some cases, there is no physical cause for these symptoms.       

Consider seeking therapeutic support such as a counselor or private practitioner.  For more information please contact OASIS at 264-1532 or casemanager@oasisinc.org .  Crisis line volunteers are available to answer questions 24 hours per day, call 262-5035.