How to Help a Sexual Abuse Survivor

There is an epidemic of sexual abuse in our country. Statistics reported by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reveal that each year in the U.S., more than 320,000 people – men and women – are sexually assaulted or raped, and 63,000 children fall victim to sexual abuse. The stark reality is that a sexual assault occurs every 98 seconds. In addition to suffering from the emotional trauma sexual assault and rape causes, victims of sexual assault also suffer economically due to medical expenses and lost income. The CDC estimates the total economic burden of rape in the United States to be 3.1 trillion dollars.

Louisiana and federal criminal laws are there to protect us, but because only a small percentage of perpetrators are sent to jail, justice in the criminal courts is rarely achieved. Fortunately, victims of sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse can seek compensation from their assailants through lawsuits in civil court.

How do you help a friend or loved one who has been sexually abused? Here’s an article from the New York Times that may help you help someone else. How to Support a Friend or Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Abused, New York Times.