'I've had nightmares after it'
GCSU student recalls assault, aftermath
Lissa Speer
Issue date: 3/12/10 Section: Campus News
Rapists and sexual assault offenders leave in their wake a mental and physical scar that for most, never heals. Women across the nation and on this campus deal with the aftermath of assault every day. This is one of their stories.
Two years ago, a current GCSU student was assaulted in her home by someone she knew. To this day a report has not been filed against the individual and her story remains between her, her assaulter and very few close friends.
She was in her senior year of high school, so close to graduation and on her way to college when she and a few friends held a house party. After taking a legal herbal drug called Red Dawn, the female was taken to her bedroom where she was sexually assaulted.
"I remember specifically him telling me that if we were to have sex it would be rape, but somehow that made doing other things OK," she said.
The mental anguish and confusion she felt after the situation left her physically ill and depressed. Guilt weighed her down and left her wanting to tell no one about what had happened as she believed it was her own fault for putting herself in that situation.
"I couldn't stomach talking about it. It wasn't until very recently that I could actually think about it. I've had nightmares after it, seeing his face makes me cringe," she said.
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, every assault situation is different, and victims will, in turn, respond differently to the situation. Physical symptoms that may be encountered include vomiting, and headaches as well as the risk of becoming pregnant or the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. There is also a possibility for broken bones, genital injuries and other physical injuries depending on the violence of the crime.
GCSU Student Health Services first response is to offer support and comfort to those who come to them, director Dr. Alice Loper said.
"We always try to get the victim to allow us to call Public Safety so they can get started on a report and investigation, however, some victims will not do this and we cannot force them to do so, but we strongly encourage it," Loper said.
Two years ago, a current GCSU student was assaulted in her home by someone she knew. To this day a report has not been filed against the individual and her story remains between her, her assaulter and very few close friends.
She was in her senior year of high school, so close to graduation and on her way to college when she and a few friends held a house party. After taking a legal herbal drug called Red Dawn, the female was taken to her bedroom where she was sexually assaulted.
"I remember specifically him telling me that if we were to have sex it would be rape, but somehow that made doing other things OK," she said.
The mental anguish and confusion she felt after the situation left her physically ill and depressed. Guilt weighed her down and left her wanting to tell no one about what had happened as she believed it was her own fault for putting herself in that situation.
"I couldn't stomach talking about it. It wasn't until very recently that I could actually think about it. I've had nightmares after it, seeing his face makes me cringe," she said.
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, every assault situation is different, and victims will, in turn, respond differently to the situation. Physical symptoms that may be encountered include vomiting, and headaches as well as the risk of becoming pregnant or the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. There is also a possibility for broken bones, genital injuries and other physical injuries depending on the violence of the crime.
GCSU Student Health Services first response is to offer support and comfort to those who come to them, director Dr. Alice Loper said.
"We always try to get the victim to allow us to call Public Safety so they can get started on a report and investigation, however, some victims will not do this and we cannot force them to do so, but we strongly encourage it," Loper said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
David Griffin
posted 3/12/10 @ 12:12 PM EST
I had to look up 'Red Dawn' on the Internet. Anybody that would take such crap, had to know what they were doing. But, I guess high school and college students are the smartest folks walking the planet. (Continued…)
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posted 3/17/10 @ 3:10 PM EST
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