I am Asian/Asian-American/Pacific Islander

There is no typical Asian response to sexual assault because there is no such thing as "typically Asian." People from Asia or of Asian ancestry are a very diverse group, ranging from members of the Far-Eastern cultures of Japan, Korea or China, to the various Southeast Asian groups-- Mainland and Insular--as well as people from the vastly diverse South Asian and Middle Eastern areas. If you are Asian-American, your traditional cultural background has been blended to varying degrees with aspects of American culture.

Traditionally, in many Asian cultures, but not all, virginity in women prior to marriage is prized and valued. Your parents, and to some degree you, may hold this belief. Consequently, having been raped can result in terrible feelings of shame, threatening to bring great dishonor to you and your family if it is revealed. However, it is possible to get help with your feelings and be assured of complete confidentiality. You have control over what course of action is taken after the assault, and your parents need not be notified.

In some traditional Asian cultures, women are seen as below men, of less value, and more at the mercy of their desires and emotions. Thus you may feel, even more than other women, that you are somehow responsible for what has happened, that as a woman you can only expect such things will happen to you. You may feel that it is your fate. These feelings are very understandable, given their cultural context. Your reactions also can be appreciated by a mental health professional who will not judge you.

It's not unusual that in some Asian cultures the whole subject of sexuality is taboo. To even talk about it brings disgrace to you and your family. If this is so, then talking about a sexual assault may be even more difficult and upsetting. Yet care givers have often found it helpful to survivors of an assault to talk eventually about the experience in detail. This can help relieve or lessen symptoms. Therefore, you may want to consider seeking psychological help, even though it may sound very difficult, inappropriate or disgraceful. It's important that your care giver be sensitive to your perspective and proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. You don't have to talk about anything that feels too uncomfortable to you. However, when you are ready, it will be helpful.