Sexual assaults and rape are rampant in today’s society. Even though sexual violence in the U.S. has fallen by more than half since 1993, rape continues to be a major problem, a humiliating crime that degrades and devastates its victims.
Every day more than 570 people experience sexual violence, and an estimated 17.7 million women have been victims of rape since 1998, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).
Experts estimate that each year, 321,500 Americans in the general public (ages 12 and older) and 60,000 children are sexually assaulted or raped.
Statistics also show that 1 in 5 women — and 1 in 71 men — have been raped during their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Reactions
Almost half of those were sexually assaulted by someone they know.
Victims of rape fill our church pews in every worship service, most often sitting in shameful silence, feeling humiliated, alone and hurt.
“Because sexual assault is a form of victimization that is particularly stigmatized in American society, many victims suffer in silence, which only intensifies their distress and disgrace,” wrote Trillia Newbell, director of community outreach for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Among the many emotional and psychological reactions of Rape Trauma Syndrome, victims may feel:
- Wounded physically, mentally and emotionally (and spiritually, if the rapist is a pastor, deacon or member of the church).
- Angry with those who violated them.
- Outraged that their rapists usually go free. (Ninety-nine percent of rapists walk free, receiving no punishment or jail time for their offense, according to the Huffington Post.)
- Disgusted by people’s attitudes (for instance, when people view rape as a woman’s fault for wearing provocative clothing, flirting or using “bad judgment,” such as jogging at night alone).
- Worried about sexually transmitted infections and possible pregnancy.
- Shamed, degraded, dirty, hopeless, alone and guilty, leading to other problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm, substance abuse, fear, eating and sleep disorders and thoughts of suicide, according to RAINN.
As ambassadors of Christ, you and your church can be a sanctuary of healing and comfort, offering encouragement and hope to those victimized by rape, sexual abuse and violence.
What are some practical ways the Church can help victims of sexual abuse?
First, make church grounds and buildings safe.
- Install lights in parking lots and hire visible security guards.
- Hire reputable teachers and leaders and insist upon reference and background checks. Provide ongoing training for staff and volunteers.
- Install windows in classroom doors.
- Develop strong relationships with local police departments.
- Have an emergency plan in place to deal with assault crimes.
- Invest in two-way radios.
- Create a single entrance into the church.
Another way you can help victims is to look for the common signs of someone who may have been sexually violated:
- A happy, positive person who suddenly becomes sad, depressed, angry and cries often for no explainable reason.
- A major lifestyle change happening in a person’s life — for instance, an organized, hardworking person who suddenly becomes lazy and unmotivated, misses appointments or stops functioning at work or school.
- A socially active person who withdraws from church, family and friends.
- A person who exhibits unusual behavior — such as being restless, easily agitated, frightened or startled more than usual, unable to relax or concentrate, emotionally numb, experiences loss of memory or panic attacks or shows self-destructive behavior.
Respond immediately
When you suspect or hear about a possible rape, respond immediately:
- Make sure the victim receives proper medical care, and accompany them to report the crime to law enforcement.
- Avoid asking details about the crime.
- Help financially, if needed. Most rape kits (forensic exams) are free and are available through local law enforcement, and by law, you are not required to report the assault to law enforcement in order to receive a rape kit that can be used for later reporting.
- Arrange counseling with a Christian professional in your church or community who specializes in sexual assault and rape.
- As a congregation, encourage members to show the victim unconditional love and acceptance, listening to and valuing him or her, believing the person’s story and keeping confidences. Assure the person that he or she is the victim, not the criminal, and is not at fault. Walk with the person through the stages of the grief process, praying with and for him or her.
- Ask spiritually mature women in the church, perhaps also survivors of past sexual abuse, to befriend female victims, serving as advocates, jointly praying and reading Scripture, sitting together in worship services and offering encouragement and hope. Ask spiritually mature men in the church to befriend male victims of rape.
- Make your church a safe place to talk about sexual violence and rape. Preach and teach about the sanctity of life and how our bodies, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, ought to be honored.
It also is important to educate your congregation about sexual assault:
- Organize a support/educational group for girls, youth and women, teaching them to protect themselves against sexual predators, to understand the biblical rules for dating and marriage and how to help and respond to other women who are victims of rape.
Speak frankly
- Educate the boys, youth and men in your church, teaching them to protect themselves from rape (10 percent of adult rape victims are men) and to relate to girls and women with respect.
- Speak frankly to your church’s college-aged men and women about protecting themselves from rape on campuses, a trend that has become epidemic. Female students ages 18–24 are three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence, according to RAINN. Male students ages 18–24 are five times more likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual violence.
- Raise social awareness in your church and community by inviting professional speakers to address the epidemic of rape in our society.
Another important step is to teach the youth, men and women in your church the steps to take if they or someone they know is raped:
- Call 911 if in immediate danger.
- Contact the local police department. Visit a medical center. Report the crime. Ask to have a sexual assault forensic exam (collects DNA evidence).
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) to talk with a counselor about procedures, reporting, etc.
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A few statistics to note about where rapes happen most often:
At or near victim’s home — 55%
In enclosed public areas (parking lot, garage, etc.) — 10%
In open public places — 15%
On school property — 8%
At or near a relative’s home — 12%
48 percent of victims are sleeping or doing something at home when sexual crime occurs.
29 percent are traveling to and from school, work, etc.
Source: RAINN
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