Rural Communities
Sexual Abuse in Rural Communities
When an individual is sexually abused in a rural community, the victim often finds it difficult to find, or access, the necessary medical, legal, and counseling services. Lack of anonymity, physical isolation, social and family controls, and reporting issues can all be contributing factors to having a sense of isolation.
Page Contents
Lack of Anonymity | Physical Isolation | Social and Family Controls | Reporting Issues | RVAP Services | Resources
Lack of Anonymity
Rural communities have a small population; therefore, the familiarity between community members is high. For victims of sexual assault, this sometimes translates to a lack of anonymity and confidentiality. When an individual in a rural community is sexually assaulted, the victim, or a friend or family member, is likely to be acquainted with, or related to, the perpetrator (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2003). Also, the victim may reencounter the perpetrator frequently.
Physical Isolation
In general, rural communities are located in more isolated areas in which the distance to service providers is quite lengthy. Sexual abuse victims may have very immediate physical needs which need to be addressed by medical personnel and it is often difficult to locate a medical facility in the immediate area. Again, familiarity between medical staff and the victim may have an impact on the victim's comfort level when seeking services.
Social and Family Controls
The social atmosphere of many small rural communities includes preserving the family reputation. If a sexual assault occurs within the family, sometimes families do not want other family members to report. Further, lack of childcare, transportation, or finances may all contribute to the victim's inability to seek services.
Reporting Issues
Nationwide, over 70% of sexual assaults are never reported to law enforcement (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000). The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2003) notes that the underreporting in rural communities is much higher. Some studies show that in rural communities, law enforcement is likely to be a part of the social network (Sims, 1988; Weisheit, Wells & Falcome, 1994; Weisheit, Wells & Falcome, 1995). Therefore, the victim may not feel that the reporting process is safe and confidential.
RVAP Services
Studies have shown that victims of sexual abuse need support from family and friends throughout the healing process. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse you can contact the Rape Victim Advocacy Program.
RVAP services are available in Johnson, Cedar, Iowa, and Washington counties. The RVAP provides support, advocacy, and information to sexual abuse victims and their family and friends. Our services are free of charge and confidential.
Resources
Sexual Assault Investigation and Management Training for Rural Law Enforcement from the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement
www.ncrle.net
National Rural Health Association
www.nrharural.org
Ensuring Access, Quality and Equity in Rural Health Care
Violence Against Rural Women – The Rural Womyn Zone
www.ruralwomyn.net
Unspoken Crimes: Sexual Assault in Rural America
www.nsvrc.org
Resource Center for Rural Behavioral Health
www.apa.org
Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
http://www.ruralhealth.hrsa.goc/
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Stalking Prevention and Intervention in Rural Native American Communities
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/nativeamerican/nativeamerican.html#id2340788
National Association for Rural Mental Health
http://narmh.org/
Rural Women Zone: The Intersection of Violence Against Rural Women
http://www.ruralwomyn.net/domvio.html
Rural Assistance Center
http://www.raconline.org/
Rural Information Center
http://ric.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?tax_level=1&info_center=5
World Rural Women's Day
http://www.rural-womens-day.org/
Women's Justice Center
Centro de Justicia Para Mujeres
http://www.justicewomen.com/
