STV 101...coming to you but have experienced sexual violence that may be impacting them. 4. Screen your new clients for issues of sexual violence that they may not disclose initially

Sexual Trauma and Violence 2.0

STV 101:

Sexual Violence: Definitions, Impact and the

“Me Too” Movement

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.


Abstract

The “Me Too” movement has had a massive cultural impact on emboldening victims of sexual

trauma to come forward. As a result, it is increasingly important for counselors and caregivers

to be aware of the prevalence and types of sexual violence in order to be effective people-

helpers. This presentation will help viewers understand the scope of the problem and be

equipped with tools and techniques to help those affected by sexual violence.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will explore the history of the “Me Too” movement and the impact it has had

on today’s culture.

2. Participants will identify the types of sexual violence and the corresponding impact on

victims.

3. Participants will analyze the role of the caregiver and discover how to effectively aid

victims of sexual trauma.


I. The Me Too Movement

A. The History of the Movement

1. The organization was formed in 2006 to help women and girls of color who had

survived sexual violence.

2. In the fall of 2017, actress Ashley Judd came forward and talked about sexual

harassment she had experienced from Harvey Weinstein. As a result, many others

spoke up with similar stories, leading to Weinstein’s arrest.

3. 10 days later, actress Alyssa Milano ignited the movement with the tweet, "If you've

been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too' as a reply to this tweet"

4. 3 days later, Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney tweeted that she was sexually

assaulted by former team doctor Lawrence G. Nassar.

5. The aftermath of this movement has resulted in a flood of accusations and men

losing their jobs – celebrities, executives, politicians.

B. What Does This Mean?

1. It is difficult to realize how prevalent and widespread sexual violence is – it is

heartbreaking and clearly a problem of epidemic proportions.

2. It has brought up the pain and trauma of sexual violence for millions.

3. Overall – the truth has allowed many to finally speak out, get help and feel

supported, heard and less alone.

4. Victims/survivors- both male and female – are feeling empowered to speak out and

get help – but still experiencing pain.


II. Sexual Violence

A. Definitions from the US Centers for Disease Control

1. Sexual Violence is defined as a sexual act committed against someone without that

person’s freely given consent.

2. The issue of consent is huge.

B. Types of Sexual Violence

1. Completed or attempted forced penetration of a victim.

2. Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated penetration of a victim.

3. Completed or attempted forced acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a

perpetrator or someone else.

4. Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated acts in which a victim is made to

penetrate a perpetrator or someone else.

5. Non-physically forced penetration which occurs after a person is pressured verbally

or through intimidation or misuse of authority or consent to acquiesce.

6. Unwanted sexual contact.

7. Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences.


C. Sexual Harassment

1. Harassment in a workplace, or other professional or social situation, involving the

making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.

2. The liability is going to be a serious issue moving forward if there are institutions or

organizations who do not take specific steps to prevent sexual harassment.

III. Prevalence of the Problem

A. Some Good News

1. Sexual assault numbers have gone down significantly since 1993.

2. However, this only shows sexual assault, not other types of sexual violence.

3. Numbers are still lower than the actual count because many are never reported and

many victims never seek help of any kind.

B. Statistics

1. Every 92 seconds another American is sexually assaulted.1

2. 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed

rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).4

3. About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or

completed rape in their lifetime.4

4. From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong

evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.5


IV. The Role of the Caregiver

A. Helping People Heal

1. Mental health professionals, pastors, chaplains, educators, medical professionals,

first responders will all encounter those who have experienced sexual violence.

2. If you want to work with clients to help them heal, you need extensive training.

3. Even if you do not want to specialize in sexual violence you must have a good

working knowledge so you can help clients who have another primary reason for

coming to you but have experienced sexual violence that may be impacting them.

4. Screen your new clients for issues of sexual violence that they may not disclose

initially.

5. For those in crisis response, educators and medical fields you need to know enough

to support those you encounter and refer them to the right assistance.

6. Sexual violence creates intense shame and stigma.

7. Survivors may not talk about what happened and may have great fear about

disclosing and may not even acknowledge what happened to themselves.

8. You can help by being the first person to ask a question or to acknowledge and

experience as sexual violence, abuse, rape or sexual harassment.

B. Helpful Tips and Techniques

1. Say “I believe you.”


2. Say “It was not your fault– You didn’t do anything to deserve it.”

3. Say “You are not alone.” Tell them you want to help but don’t try to push coerce or

force them to take action they are not comfortable with.

4. Say “I am sorry this happened. It should not have happened.”


STV 102:

The Neurobiology of Sexual Trauma

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.


Abstract

After undergoing a traumatic experience, the brain is severely impacted in its responses and

processing ability. Understanding the neurobiology of sexual trauma is foundational for anyone

seeking to help victims. This lecture provides an overview of the brain’s responses to trauma

along with what symptoms can be expected from those who have experienced sexual violence.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will analyze the fight, flight, and freeze response in relation to sexual violence

and trauma.

2. Participants will evaluate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and what can be done

to alleviate these issues.

3. Participants will discover critical elements in recovery and be equipped to help victims of

sexual abuse find healing and hope.


I. The Foundations

A. The Flight or Fight Response

1. This acute stress response is common to all mammals as a survival instinct.

2. This is an automatic response that involves changes to the brain.

3. Post-traumatic stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event

B. The Freeze Response

1. In times of sexual trauma, people often respond by freezing rather than fighting or

fleeing.

2. The victim often does not understand their response when thinking back to the

situation.

C. Sexual Trauma and the Legal System

1. The legal process can be difficult for victims since the credibility of the victim is

continually being attacked.

2. Those who do not understand the neurobiology of trauma do not understand the

response of victims.

3. Victims will often have pieces but will not have formulated it into a chronology of

what happened when.

4. The shame and stigma can keep people from telling their stories.

5. Questions from friends, family, or others can feel like interrogation.


II. What to Expect: Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress

A. Factors That Can Impact Response

1. Physical trauma

2. Drug/alcohol in the system

3. Knowing the perpetrator

4. Sense of shame and self-blame

5. If and when they feel safe to tell someone

6. History of past trauma

B. Crisis Response: The First 48 Hours

1. Be Present

2. Physical safety/physical injury

3. Medical treatment/Exam

4. Get basic information but don’t press for more info or details – remember cognitive

impairment

5. Help survivors to feel safe

6. Evaluate suicide risk


C. Critical Elements in Recovery

1. Sleep

2. Avoiding self-medication

3. Safe people

4. Self-care

5. Boundaries

6. Talking about it – only when they feel ready and with a person they feel is safe

7. Avoid media triggers

D. Post-trauma Symptoms

1. Intensity of symptoms should be decreasing significantly in first 30 days if survivor is

getting help.

2. Some symptoms may linger.

3. Triggers may be present for extended period – even years.

III. Responses and Behavior Patterns

A. Withdrawal, Social Isolation, and Shutdown

1. Appearance and posture can be an indicator.


2. Personalities may change.

B. Trauma Reenactment

1. People go back into situations similar to the trauma situation.

2. Engaging in promiscuous sexual behavior or high risk behavior.


STV 103:

Power and Control: The Trauma of Rape

Molly Catherine Goodson, J.D.


Abstract

The trauma of rape can linger beyond the initial act and into the courtroom as victims fight for

justice. In this lecture, Molly Catherine Goodson unpacks the complexities of the legal system for

counselors helping victims through the trauma of rape. From reporting the initial rape to the

situation in the courtroom, it is important that the counselor is aware of the steps in the process

so as to help victims find closure and minimize further trauma.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will evaluate the prevalence of sexual assault in light of the legal definitions

of rape.

2. Participants will analyze the impact of today’s culture on rape and sexual violence.

3. Participants will discover the different aspects of the legal system and what transpires in

a courtroom during a sexual violence case.


I. The Prevalence of Sexual Violence

A. Statistics

1. Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.i

2. The majority of sexual assault victims are under 30.ii

3. Ages 12-34 are highest risk years for rape and sexual assault.iii

4. 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed

rape in her lifetime.iv

5. 90% of adult rape victims are female.v

6. About 3% of American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in

their lifetime.vi

B. Rape Defined

1. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program

• Rape: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body

part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the

consent of the victim.

2. Legacy definition

• Rape: The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her well.

3. In 2016, there were an estimated 95,730 rapes under the legacy definition alone

reported to law enforcement.


C. Examples of Statutes

1. NORTH CAROLINA GEN. STAT. 14-27.21 – FIRST DEGREE RAPE

Person engages in vaginal intercourse with another person by force and against the

will of the other person, and does any of the following:

• Employs or displays a dangerous or deadly weapon or an article which the other

person reasonably believes to be a dangerous or deadly weapon

• Inflicts serious physical injury upon the victim or another person

• The person commits the offense added and abetted by one or more other

persons

2. NORTH CAROLINA GEN. STAT. 14-27.22 - SECOND DEGREE RAPE

A person is guilty of second-degree forcible rape if the person engages in vaginal

intercourse with another person:

• By force and against the will of another person; or

• Who is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless, and the

person performing the act knows or should reasonably know the other person is

mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless.

D. Perpetrators of Rape

1. Strangers

2. Acquaintances

3. Current or former spouses, boyfriends, or girlfriends

4. 45% of rapists are acquainted with their victims.


E. Today’s Cultural Impact on Sexual Assault

1. Entertainment Industry

• Fifty Shades of Grey

• Music

2. Social media

3. Sexting and revenge porn

4. Alcohol/drug use

5. Teenage sleepovers with the opposite sex

6. Consent undefined

F. The Victim

1. Common questions

• What was I wearing?

• Did I lead him on?

• Did I say no enough?

• How much did I have to drink last night?

• Why do I not remember everything that happened?

• Why was he taking pictures of me?

• What is he going to tell his friends?

• I think I told him no.

• What happened last night?

• Was it my fault?

• He told me I liked it.


• I didn’t like it.

• Did I act like I liked it?

• I should have left the party.

• I should have stayed home.

• I shouldn’t have trusted him so soon.

• What’s wrong with me?

• I think I was raped.

• No, he wouldn’t do that—would he?

• What do I do now?

2. The big question: Will anybody believe me?

II. Helping Sexual Assault Victims

A. Things to Consider

1. SANE exam

2. Disclosure

3. Investigation

4. Prosecution

B. The SANE Exam

1. SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

2. Timing: Up to 120 hours after the assault


3. Approximately 3 hours

• Part 1: Interview

• Part 2: Physical exam

• Part 3: Blood and urine collection

4. Collects DNA evidence

C. Reasons for a SANE Exam

1. As part of the Violence Against Women Act, rape kits are free of charge

2. You have time to decide if you want to report

3. It increases the likelihood of prosecution

4. Your health matters

D. Next Steps to Consider

1. Medical/gynecological exam

2. Potential STD/pregnancy

3. Medical/physical issues

4. PTSD

5. Trauma


III. Reporting to Law Enforcement

A. Statistics from the FBI

1. Out of every 1,000 rapes, only 310 are reported to the police.

2. Of those 310 reported to police, only 57 reports lead to arrest.

3. Of those 57 cases, only 11 cases will get referred to prosecutors.

4. Of those 11 cases, only 7 will lead to a felony conviction.

5. Of those 7 convictions, only 6 rapists will be incarcerated.

B. Why People Chose Not to Report

1. Fear of retaliation

2. Belief that it is her fault

3. Belief that nobody would believe her

4. A desire to protect her rapist

5. Feelings of shame surrounding the assault

6. Lack of memory surrounding all of the events that transpired or simply not wanting

to acknowledge the reality of what has happened


IV. Foundations of the Legal System

A. State vs Federal Law

1. State law is applied to the state. Example: North Carolina law applies to the actions

that take place in North Carolina.

2. Federal law is applied to the United States as a whole.

• Example: A criminal action crosses state lines — the crime is connected and

occurs both in North Carolina and South Carolina — the federal government can

use federal law to charge the perpetrators federally in the federal courts.

B. Civil vs Criminal

1. Civil: Typically between private parties

• Plaintiff vs. Defendant

• Penalty: monetary, fine, injunction, etc.

• Examples: Contract dispute, family law, divorce, child custody

2. Criminal: State or Federal Government brings a charge against a person for violating

the law

• Parties: The State of North Carolina vs. John Smith

• Penalty: May include jail time, probation

• Key players: Police, prosecutors, victim advocates, SANE nurses/other doctors

• Crime Victims Rights Act – 18 U.S.C. § 3771

C. Getting to the Courtroom

1. Assault or rape is reported to the police


2. Investigation

• SANE Exam/Rape Kit processed

• Interview by police

• Speaking with a victim advocate

3. Arrest

• First Appearance or advisement

• Bond Hearing

4. Charging of the crime

• Grand Jury or preliminary hearing

5. Discovery

6. Indictment

7. Plea bargaining or guilty pleas

8. Trial by jury

9. Possibility of appeal

D. The Victim’s Role During the Trial

1. Testimony about the assault

2. Prior statements


3. Direct examination

• Photographs

• Physical evidence

4. Cross examination

• Credibility

• Prior history or relationships

5. Victim Impact Statement

E. Misconceptions in the Courtroom

1. Shouldn’t she be crying? vs. She’s crying too much

2. Delayed reporting

3. Responses after the assault

4. Motivation for the disclosure

• Revenge

• Child Custody

• Domestic Violence

• Financial Issues

F. The Bridge Between Trauma and Truth

1. Multiple disclosures

• 911 call

• Forensic medical exam


• Discussions with prosecutor

• Grand Jury or Preliminary Hearing

• Trial

2. Timeframe of assault to trial could be anywhere from months to years — even later

if there had been delayed reporting.

G. Not Guilty Verdict vs. Guilty Verdict

1. Burden of proof in civil vs. criminal cases

• Preponderance of the evidence

• Evidence beyond a reasonable doubt

2. “CSI” effect

3. Scientific/direct evidence: supports the truth of an assertion directly

4. Circumstantial evidence: relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact

V. The Counselor’s Role

A. Be Present

1. Provide unwavering support so that they do not feel alone.

2. Never underestimate the power of the little things.

3. Go with them to the police station, the hospital, court.


B. Change the Conversation

1. Remember there are known and unknown survivors around us every day.

2. Stop asking questions that cause shame.

3. Start asking questions that heal.

4. Ask them what they need.

5. Treat each person as unique.

6. Understand the dynamics of power and control.

C. Educate and Advocate Attorneys on Trauma and the Brain

1. Memory

2. Behavior

3. Timeframe references

4. Ability to withstand the stress of a trial

D. Influence: What It Does or Does Not Mean

1. Help and provide support to victims.

2. Remember that their participation in the legal system is their choice.

3. Church vs. State


4. Remember it is not the counselor’s role to define what justice means.

E. Pray

We surround the known victims with prayers particular to their situations. We surround

our culture and the unknown victims around us with prayers. We pray that they will feel

the love of a God who never leaves them or forsakes them. We pray they feel the

courage of a God who saves and the peace and comfort of a Savior who walks beside

them. When we feel as if vengeance is thwarted, we remember, vengeance is God’s.

i. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sex Offenses and Offenders

(1997);

ii. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Crimes Against the Elderly,

2003-2013 (2014).

iii. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sex Offenses and Offenders

(1997).

iv. National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and

Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey (1998). (Statistic presents information on the total

number of male and female victims in the United States, using a study from 1998. Because the U.S.

population has increased substantially since then, it is probable that the number of victims has, as well.

RAINN presents this data for educational purposes only, and strongly recommends using the citations to

review any and all sources for more information and detail.)

v. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young

Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000).

vi. National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence and

Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey

Documents

STV 101...coming to you but have experienced sexual violence that may be impacting them. 4. Screen your new clients for issues of sexual violence that they may not disclose initially