Documentary (53 page)

“Documentary” is neither meant to represent what any survivor of rape or sexual assault should do nor a typical or “proper” reaction of a survivor. As we are all different, the ways in which we process and deal with trauma will vary. One should never measure their reaction with anyone else’s.

It is
never
okay for someone to have sex with you without your consent. Not your date, not your friend, not your boyfriend or girlfriend, or your spouse. No one. Being unable to give consent does not equal implied consent either.

The decision to report (and even subsequently pursue the prosecution of) a sexual assault or rape can be a difficult one but should always be a personal one. If you are a survivor of sexual assault or rape, and are unsure of what to do next or if you just need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to contact RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, for help through their anonymous hotline (1.800.656.HOPE), online (www.rainn.org), or to locate a counseling center.

If you are an American citizen in (or were in) a foreign country and are a survivor of a rape there, the U.S. Embassy located in that particular country may be able to assist you (www.usembassy.gov).