24: What to do if your teenage daughter has been sexually assaulted

Todays guest is Laura Reagan LCSW-C. She is a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator, in private practice located in Severna Park, Maryland and has a podcast called Therapy Chat. She specializes in working with adults who have experienced some childhood relational trauma, such as emotional or physical neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or have witnessed domestic violence. On todays episode Laura shares what parents and teen girls can do if they believe they have been sexually abused. In this episode you will learn: Laura defines sexual assault as: “any unwanted sexual touching (touching rear end, touching sexual body parts) to rape…child sexual abuse, sexual assault where no intercourse to rape.” Sexual abuse and assault is considered a trauma Statistics: 1 out of every 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys under age 18 yrs have had some type of unwanted sexual experience Often the person who has been sexually assaulted will not know they have been an answer the question as “no” when asked. But when ask more specific questions about unwanted sexual experiences they will disclose experiences Part of this is raising awareness of what sexual assault means If you are intoxicated you can’t give consent Maybe a sign you have been sexually assaulted if: You wake up and I feel like I have had sex but not in relationship, Wasn’t plan on having sex or Wasn’t interested in anyone this Y ou can go to college counseling office and speak to a professional If not sure what you want to do call 24 hour R.A.I.N.N. hotline at 1-800-656-4673 What can parent do: If you child, teen, or adult child discloses they have been sexually assault Focus on how they feel And try not to be overwhelmed with your own feelings of what you hear They are asking you for help and for your support Suspend disbelief Call the hotline number because you may not know what to do and they can help What not to do: Let them think you don’t believe them That you don’t support them Because that is harmful to your child/teen It can be detrimental to recovery Why do some people develop post-traumatic symptoms? Studies show is depends on how well that person is supported when they tell someone Next step is helping person regain a sense of power and control again by giving them choices Let her decide whether she wants to call the police Unless it is child abuse then you need to report immediately, but help victim feel like they have options Do they need medical attention? Does a forensic exam need to be completed? If child under 13 years old-need hospital pediatric forensic nurse examiner Again call R.A.I.N.N. hotline and they can give you where to go You can have an advocate through your local sexual assault crisis center to be there during every step of the process Have to ask for an advocate Advocates are specially trained, they know your rights and can help explain your choices Advocate is an outside objective person Can have them there at court if you do not want your parents or loved ones in the room Parents can have advocate as well Exams are free and advocates are free Sexual assault affects everyone and offenders can be either gender Resources: Allies in Healing-book for how to support an adult who was abused as a child Local Sexual Assault Association For Indiana http://indianacesa.org/ State wide local coalition One Billion Rising Revolution http://www.onebillionrising.org/ 1 in 6 organization-male survivors of sexual assault https://1in6.org/ RAINN https://www.rainn.org/ If you liked this episode I invite you to subscribe on iTunes to receive the weekly updates. This podcast is also available on Stitcher, Google Play, YouTube and now iHeartRadio. Website is www.LaunchingYourDaughter.com Laura’s Information: Website: www.therapychatpodcast.com Podcast: Therapy Chat (iTunes, Stitcher, YouTube and iHeartRadio)