Group provides support for
rape victims
By Emily Baldauf
Staff
Writer
Lafayette resident Danielle Johnson, who requested
her name be changed, will never be alone in a room with a man again.
Two years ago, a trusted friend and counselor sexually
assaulted her.
"After the attack, I realized my own vulnerability,
and that has changed my life forever," Johnson said.
Johnson is one of the one in six women who have
been a victim of rape or attempted rape, according to the national statistics.
Because so many women are affected by sexual assault
and rape each year, many support groups, counseling centers and even
Internet sites are offering victims support.
Johnson, a Purdue graduate, was assaulted almost
two years ago, but has found tremendous support from a local support
group, "Women Who’ve Been There." It is a free and confidential
support group for survivors of rape and sexual assault. The group meets
at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the Counseling
Center in downtown Lafayette.
Cheryl Ubelhor, the executive director of the Crisis
Center, thinks the "tight-knit" group provides a tremendous
amount of support for each other.
"The people involved in the support group
are very close and are able to share sensitive issues and give a great
deal of support," Ubelhor said. "It is a great place to go
for those who are not sure what to do or how to deal with the situation."
Rape and sexual assault victims often feel confused
about what to do after an attack because they are immediately confronted
with many decisions. Survivors must decide whether to seek medical treatment,
make a police report or to tell family and friends.
Johnson, who did not report her attack to police,
said, "Deciding whether or not to report an attack is a hard decision."
If a woman wanted to, I would support her in every
way possible, but I understand those who don’t. The experience
of going through the whole process can often be more traumatic than
the rape itself."
Psychologists often refer to this as the "second-rape"
because the victim must confront doubting strangers, friends and family
while carrying the burden of proof in legal proceedings.
Johnson, like many rape survivors, found it sometimes
difficult to get the support she needed from friends and family.
"A few friends stayed, but other ones believed
the lies (of the accused)," Johnson said. "Others couldn’t
handle seeing me in so much pain, so they couldn’t help me."
Johnson wasn’t sure that going to the support
group and sharing her story with strangers would help. But after going
for more than a year, she realizes the group has helped her make progress.
"They’ve been there — it’s
happened to them," Johnson said. "They really helped me understand
my anger and realize that self-doubt was a normal reaction."
Many survivors initially find it hard to talk about
the attacks, but most soon realize that their unresolved feelings keep
them from moving on with their lives.
"It gets easier to tell your story every time,"
Johnson said. "I continue to go to the meetings because I have
been helped so much and I want to help someone else."
It is also important to note that many experts
agree it is never too late to seek counseling.
For more information about the group contact the
Crisis Center at 742-0244 or visit the center at 1244 North 15th St.
in Lafayette.
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