CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

What To Do If Your Mother Is Raped or Sexually Assaulted

• Believe her. Just because a woman may be older does not mean she does not know what is going on around her. She needs to know you support her and will care for her.
  
  
• Try to listen to her. It is easy to try to fix things as fast as possible, but sometimes it is better to just stop and listen first to what she is feeling. She needs a friend first and a child second.
  
  
• Try to allow her to regain control over her life, even if it means the smallest thing like choosing her own outfit or talking when she is ready. She is scared. Her control and power were taken away from her. She needs time to regain them.
  
  
• Do not blame her for what happened. Avoid saying, "Well, if only you had. . ." She is probably feeling ashamed as it is. Your blame will only make things worse and make it harder for her to heal.
  
  
• Seek professional help for yourself and your mother if she is willing. You may feel helpless and angry and want to take over. Try to deal with those feelings with a professional and not expect your mother to deal with them.