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Many victims of sexual assault are left feeling confused and unsure of what actually happened, especially if the perpetrator is an acquaintance or dating partner. Counseling offers an opportunity to review the incident in question and become more clear about whether it actually constituted a sexual assault.

Making Decisions About Legal and Judicial Options

Very often, the victim feels unsure about how to proceed in terms of reporting the assault to police, pressing criminal charges, or initiating campus judicial proceedings. In counseling, she or he can discuss various options and arrive at a decision which will be most likely to promote healing and resolution in her or his individual circumstance.

Enhancing Academic and Social Functioning

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that disrupts the victim's life and may temporarily make it difficult to function at her or his usual level. Counseling can help the survivor develop effective coping strategies that make it more possible to pursue school, work, and social relationships during the period of recovery.

Mimimizing Negative Effects of the Assault

Victims of sexual assault typically experience a wide range of feelings, including anger, depression, guilt, and fear. In addition, there may be physical symptoms, difficulties with memory and concentration, nightmares or "flashbacks" of the assault, and disturbances in interpersonal relationships. Generally, counseling provides assistance with "working through" the trauma of sexual assault, with the goal of minimizing negative psychological and social effects so that the survivor can move on with her or his life.

Building Social Support

A major goal of counseling is to help the survivor build a support network of people who can help her or him through this difficult time. For many, a support group can be an instrumental part of the recovery process. Talking with others who have had the same experience can greatly decrease feelings of shame and isolation. Also, counseling can include one's partner or family members, as they may need help understanding how to be supportive. Protecting Oneself from Further Victimization
Although sexual assault is never the victim's fault, some people are targeted by perpetrators as "good victims" because they lack assertiveness and have difficulty trusting their own self- protective instincts. Through counseling, the survivor can develop confidence and skills that may decrease her or his likelihood of being assaulted again.