Same-Sex Sexual Assault

The following information is aimed at survivors of adult same-sex sexual assault. People seeking information, support or referrals for same-sex survivors of childhood sexual assault should contact Dympna House Child Sexual Assault Counselling and Resource Centre (Women only) on +61 2 9797 6733 or toll free 1800 654 119 OR The NSW Rape Crisis Centre (for men and women)..

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is a serious issue.

Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual activity.

It is against the law to force someone to do something sexually that they do not want to do. This is the case regardless of the gender, sexuality, age or culture of the survivor or the perpetrator.

It is difficult for anyone to talk about sexual assault and to access the services that they require. For the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community, it can be even more difficult.

Some common myths about sexual assault

There are many myths about same-sex sexual assault. They can create a climate in which people are reluctant to speak about what has happened to them. It is important to recognise and challenge certain beliefs so that survivors of same-sex sexual assault may receive the acceptance, understanding and support that they need.

same-sex sexual assault does not exist:
This belief is unfounded and untrue. Such beliefs may make it difficult for

survivors to find someone to talk to, obtain services, or even

believe themselves that they were assaulted.

Sexual assault is about sexual gratification:

Sexual assault is not about sexual gratification. Although sexual assault involves sexual acts, it is motivated by the desire for power and control over another person.

Sexual assault is not a sexual act, it is an act of control and domination.

A strong person cannot be sexually assaulted. They must have consented:

Being strong is no defence against sexual assault. Failing to fight off attackers does not mean consent was given. Weapons, threats, being outnumbered or frozen by fear, makes fighting back impossible for most victims.

Men and women who assault someone of the same-sex must be homosexual.

Both homosexual and heterosexual men and women can sexually assault others of the same-sex. Those who commit sexual assault are motivated by the desire for power over others, regardless of sexual preference.

Men and women who are assaulted by someone of the same-sex must be homosexual:

Both homosexual and heterosexual men and women can be sexually assaulted by someone of the same-sex. Sexual assault can also be part of a bias or hate crime against someone 'perceived to be' gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.

Women do not perpetrate sexual violence:

Sexual assault is commonly defined only in terms of male penetration and intercourse. As a result, woman to woman sexual assault is rarely acknowledged or spoken about.  However, women can be perpetrators as well as survivors of same-sex sexual assault.

All perpetrators are strangers:

The vast majority of same-sex sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows, ranging from friends and acquaintances to dates, romantic partners, and spouses or domestic partners.

Unique issues faced by survivors of same-sex sexual assault

Survivors of same-sex sexual assault face the same difficulties as other survivors, but they may also have to deal with additional issues. These include:

• Beliefs that a woman cannot rape another woman or a man

cannot rape another man.

• Same-sex abusers have an additional weapon in the threat of "outing" their partner to family, friends, employers, or community.

• GLBT survivors who are not yet out may fear coming out to

family, friends, and co-workers, among others.

• Fear of facing homophobia and prejudice may prevent GLBT survivors from coming forward or seeking help.

• A person may fear being treated differently by police and other services if they disclose their sexual orientation.

• Survivors of a sexual assault that was part of a hate crime may be further traumatised by the accompanying prejudice that motivated the crime.

However, awareness of sexual violence is increasing in the GLBT community, and changing attitudes are making it easier to speak out about same-sex sexual assault and to get support.

The impact of rape

Sexual assault is an overwhelming experience which can lead to a whole range of feelings and reactions. Sexual assault is also a very personal experience and there is no right or wrong way to react. Each individual is different and each individual's way of coping will be different. Some common reactions to sexual assault include:

- Shock/Disbelief

- Fear

- Anger

- Shame/embarrassment

- Guilt

- Flashbacks

- Sleep Disturbance

- Depression

- Relationship difficulties

Getting Help and Support

NSW Police
Emergency: 000
Police Assistance Line (non emergencies): 131 444
Switchboard: 9281 0000- You can also ask the switchboard to put you through to your nearest Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO).

Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP):
Report-Line: 9206 2116

Free Call 1800 063 060
E-mail avp@acon.org.au

Victims Support Line:
Phone: 9374 3000
Free call: 1800 633 063

NSW Rape Crisis Centre:

Phone: (02) 9819 7357
Fax: (02) 9819 6295

Sexual Assault Services:

You can go to the following web page for a full list of NSW sexual assault services http://www.cs.nsw.gov.au/facilities/ecsas/nsw.html.