What is Sexual Assault?
It is
a motorcycle alongside me
Frozen in place
An unwelcome, foreign hand
It is laughter ringing in my ears
A moment insignificant to
a coward
Sexual assault is the statement unsaid
lingering in a small room with one police officer
It is an apology from the man who didn’t commit the act
and a thousand voices screaming inside my head “not all men”
Sexual assault is digital photos, handing over my shirt, a DNA swab
It is
recounting of facts, descriptions, times, reliving the moment
It is wanting to shrink into the shadows
It is “this isn’t that bad”
It is “maybe if my breasts were smaller”
It is “I don’t remember if he was wearing gloves”
Sexual assault is hiding myself from the world
Light extinguished
Body burning from shame
Sexual assault is feeling small in a strong body
It is the significance of consent in a world that assumes my answer is and always will be, yes.
Cover by Salman Hossain Saif
Wherever you are in Australia, you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) any time for confidential information, counselling and support in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence or abuse. Visit the website to chat online and find services in your area.