It can be hard enough for anyone to talk about sexual assault, and to get in touch with the services and the support they need. For some groups and communities, it's even harder.

Rural community workers are often amazed at how complex social and family connections are in small communities.

Lots of things stop women in rural areas reporting sexual assault and using services-problems with privacy, a lack of services and information, little access to treatment, distance and isolation, and conservative attitudes.

Confidentiality
Workers in rural services and rural women say that lack of confidentiality is a big issue in country areas. So many people know, are related to, or have connections with everyone else in the community. This is a source of strength in isolated areas, where people rely on neighbours for survival. But it also means privacy is often hard to come by.

A feeling of exposure-'I feel as though there's a big sign on me saying I've been raped'-is a common reaction to sexual assault. Women worry that people are gossiping about the details. They may be worried about being seen going to a local sexual assault service. They may be friends with or related to people who work there, or to local police.

If you're worried about privacy

• If you have access to a phone, use services that have a free rural counselling service, such as the NSW Rape Crisis Centre.
• Know your rights. See our fact sheet that explains your rights in the medical and legal processes.
• Sexual assault counsellors and other health professionals are bound by rules of confidentiality and a code of ethics. Ask your counsellor to explain the rules of confidentiality in her service. Talk to her about your fears and feelings of exposure.
• If you can travel, think of using services in another town.

Other problems
Seeing the rapist around
Women in rural areas may see the rapist around town, in the supermarket, at the movies, in the street. This can bring back memories of the rape, and the feelings, such as fear and anger, that went with it. As one young woman said recently, 'I see him everywhere- walking around without a care in the world, and I am still suffering because of what he did.'

Access to services in rural areas
Although there are sexual assault services in major regional centres in NSW, they often cover huge geographical areas. Women in isolated areas may have to travel a long way to get support. For some, it isn't possible. There may be no woman doctor. And there may be less information about victims' rights and about sexual assault and its effects, particularly for people from a non-English speaking background.

Victims of sexual assault, including adult victims of childhood sexual assault, sometimes need therapy. In rural areas, there may not be much access to mental health services, psychologists and therapists.

Attitudes
People in rural areas are inclined to be conservative. Strong conservative attitudes, embracing the myths about sexual assault, are another barrier to victims, who fear they will not be believed or will be blamed for the assault.

Services
In rural and regional areas, there are a range of services that can assist you. Call NSW Rape Crisis Centre's Rural Freecall number on 1800 424 017 for a referral to:

• Sexual Assault Service
• Women's Health Centre
• Women's Refuge
• Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme
• Migrant Resource Centre
• Community Legal Centre
• Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women & Children
• Sexual Health Services

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