Recognizing and Responding to the Commonly Misunderstood Reactions to Sexual Assault

This curriculum was designed to enhance diverse professionals’ knowledge about the commonly misunderstood reactions of survivors to sexual assault.

By the end of this training module, you will be able to:

1. Recognize the problem of sexual assault in Canada

2. Understand the complexity of sexual assault within the context of individual and social experience (describe societal factors)

Identify rape myths situated in the broader social context
Reflect on how social factors such as racism, sexism, ableism, colonialism and others intersect, affecting the experience of sexual assault, access to and care provided by services
Describe challenges associated with the issue of consent
Recognize how the broader social context can shape individual biases which can impact the provision of care

3. Understand the (neurobiology of) trauma of sexual assault

Recognize the physical, social, emotional and psychological outcomes of sexual assault
Describe the neurobiological response to trauma
Recognize the potential effects of trauma for re-victimization

4. Understand and identify commonly misunderstood reactions to sexual assault

5. Respond to commonly misunderstood reactions to sexual assault

Create safe and supportive spaces for disclosure
Modify service provision to make it more accessible and comfortable for diverse clients
Respond to survivors who have experienced (re)victimization
Provide information about local resources and appropriate referrals
Respond to survivors who may not acknowledge their experiences as sexual assault

6. Reflect on your own beliefs, values and practices

Recognize how your values, attitudes, beliefs and experiences may shape and influence your response to survivors of sexual assault
Examine your emotional responses to the commonly misunderstood behaviours of survivors of sexual assault