Women From Diverse Cultural Backgrounds Have Said...
It can be difficult to speak about rape and sexual assault. You may feel that you are betraying your family or community, and that it will bring shame on them. Remember what has happened to you is a crime, and no-one ever deserves to be raped.
It may be hard if the person who raped you was from your community.
There are ideas in the general community that violence is acceptable in some cultures but culture is no excuse for violence and rape.
You may feel uncomfortable about using a support service. The Rape Crisis Centre workers will listen without judging you or your community, and they will not pressure you to do anything. They will not tell anyone else what you have s said.
You may be worried that what has happened may be a result of your culture or colour. Sometimes rape can be used as an instrument of torture or because of racial hatred. It can help to talk about this too.
If you need an interpreter the Rape Crisis Centre can arrange one for you.
You may not feel you can trust health and welfare services - if you are from a country where there are no political, civil or social rights. If you are an illegal immigrant this might be especially worrying. In Australia, community organisations are not part of the government. The Rape Crisis Centre will not notify anyone about your situation and can help you get advice.
Page Last Updated 31/5/2001
© 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
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