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Free confidential support and practical advice on Rape, Incest and Sexual Abuse

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE  
RAPE & INCEST
CRISIS CENTRE

Entries at
Northampton and Kettering
Registered Charity No 297043

We recognise that someone's life may be totally disrupted by sexual abuse - and that many suffer in silence.

We also recognise the need for a sexually abused woman to be able to talk to someone in confidence, someone who is sympathetic and impartial. Especially someone who is not going to censure their emotions.
It doesn't matter how long ago the attack took place - a sexually assaulted woman may still need to talk.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We have female volunteers, each trained to listen without making judgement and to give practical help and advice to any woman who has been sexually abused.

Offer support and practical advice to victims
and also to their families.

We offer support by telephone or face to face.

We will see women by appointment, at either our
Northampton or Kettering Centre.

We can explain about police, court and medical procedures

REACTIONS TO SEXUAL ABUSE
Whatever reactions a woman has to sexual abuse, whether it is anger, calm, fear or guilt (these are among some feelings commonly expressed), it is natural. There is no standard reaction.

The most important thing a woman can do is to trust her feelings and talk to someone about it.


WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Telephone (01604) 250721

This centre is grant aided by Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council

Dispelling some of the myths which surround
rape and sexual abuse

If we look at some of these myths in detail, it is easy to see that there is very little logic or truth in them.

The Myths

Firstly, let's look at the misconceptions. They are widespread and have largely come about through fear and ignorance. Rape is one of the most under-reported crimes. It is probable that for every reported rape, as many as three go unreported.
This usually stems from the fear that the raped woman or child will not be believed, or that they somehow contributed to the attack.

• Rape is committed by a maniac or pervert.

• The man who rapes is not a monster, the rapist is more often than not considered to be a 'respectable', 'nice', 'ordinary' man and may be known to the victim.

• Rape is only committed by a stranger, on a dark street, late at night

• A large number of victims are raped by someone they know. Most women would not go near a stranger, but they feel at ease with a man they know. The majority of rape assaults are carried out either at the victim's or assailant's home.

• Good girls don't get raped

• Any woman could be raped. Being what is termed a 'respectable woman'
  does not prevent a rape occurring. Women of every age, class and race have experienced rape. A person's status is not a factor.

• Women enjoy or fantasise about rape.

• Rape is a crime of sexual violence and humiliation, which can involve severe beating, physical restraint and the use of weapons. Many victims carry the physical and mental scars for life. It is a sickening and degrading experience for any woman.

• In reality a rape victim has no choice. The rape may be brutal and vicious and her consent is never sought or considered.

• Rapists are in the grip of an uncontrollable sexual urge.

• It seems clear that a rapist gets his 'kicks' from the sensation of power and control, rather than from the sexual act.