Building Safer Communities

It can be difficult to think clearly if you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual violence and abuse.

Safety Tips for you

  • Use open and honest communication
  • Limit alcohol and know your limits
  • Get consent for any and all sexual activity
  • Be informed – most of the time people are hurt by someone they know and trust
  • Respect “no”
  • Stick together – make sure everyone gets home safely
  • Challenge victim-blaming:
    “It’s never the victim’s fault.”
    “No one asks to be raped.”
    “It doesn’t matter what you wear, where you went or what you did.”

Safety Tips for Communities

  • Recognize sexually aggressive and violent behavior and intervene
  • Talk about safety – invite PAAR to speak at you school, church or community organization.
  • Speak out against gender stereotypes and promote equality
  • Volunteer at PAAR
  • Challenge sexist jokes, rumors, comments and emails
  • Call or write politicians to support programs working to stop sexual violence
  • Promote a safe and respectful community
  • Ask your library to host an internet safety class.
  • Believe and support survivors of sexual violence

If someone you love has been hurt…

“I’m sorry that happened to you. It’s not your fault.”

“I believe you.
I’m really glad
you told me.”

“What can I do
to help?”

“Let’s call PAAR together –
1-866-END-RAPE”

Effects of Sexual Abuse

  • Feeling nothing
  • Feeling overwhelmed or out-of-control
  • Depression
  • Exploding with anger suddenly
  • Feeling anxious or restless
  • Having panic attacks
  • Having fears and phobias
  • Acting compulsively to deal with feelings

  • “Body memories”—feelings in your body like you did during the abuse
  • Drug and alcohol abuse, addiction
  • Self-destructive behavior and self-injury
  • Suicidal thoughts, feelings, actions
  • Problems with food or eating, such as under-eating or overeating
  • Physical intimacy issues
  • Ignoring health concerns

  • Difficulties with trust
  • Difficulties with intimacy
  • Confusing affection, love, sex

  • Confusion about personal wants, needs, feelings
  • Difficulty trusting one’s self
  • Low self-esteem

  • Spacing out / zoning out
  • Losing time
  • Feeling numb
  • Feeling of disconnection from your body or parts of your body