NOW CLOSED: To all MNers - please take our survey about rape and sexual assault - we'd like to hear from everyone

[AnnMumsnet]

Hello

As you probably know, Mumsnet is planning to launch a rape awareness campaign in the middle of March, and as part of that campaign we're asking Mumsnetters to complete a survey about their own experience, if any, of rape and sexual assault (following last year's informal survey by MNetter CristinedePizan).

Please note the survey is open to all MNers - whether you have been raped and/or sexually assaulted or not.

We've thought carefully about whether to run this survey, and about the wording of the questions that are on it. Indeed we have consulted with leading charities and organisations operating in this field. We're aware that this will be terribly painful for some of you, but we believe that evidence of MNers' own experiences of sexual violence is probably the most powerful way to get our campaign message across - to politicians, to the media and to the wider world.

The survey is open to to all female Mumsnetters, whether you have been raped and/or sexually assaulted or not. We want to get as accurate a picture as possible, so don't feel that you can't take part if this has never happened to you.

For those that do have personal experience, there are inevitably some very difficult and personal questions in the survey which you may find very upsetting to fill out. We're so sorry if that is the case; do feel free to leave without completing it if it becomes too painful.

Please also rest assured that all survey responses will remain completely anonymous, and won't be linked in any way to your MN nickname or RL identity. As a small gesture of thanks for taking part, there is a £50 Amazon voucher to be won.

If you have any thoughts on the campaign you are welcome to post them on this thread.

Here's the link to the survey

Many thanks,
Ann on behalf of the MNHQ Insight and Campaigns Teams

NB: If you've been affected by these issues, Rape Crisis offer support through their national helpline. The number is 0808 802 9999, and it's open every day of the year from 12pm to 2.30pm, and 7pm to 9.30pm. You can also visit their website for details of Rape Crisis Centres in your area //www.rapecrisis.org.uk

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Done.

I have not experienced either rape or sexual assault.

I have completed the survery to hopefully make it a little more representative. If I was to win the prize (I know it's unlikely) could it be donated to one of the charities that you sought advice from please?

[PattiMayor]

I suppose I felt that if I had talked about my earliest sexual assault (when I was nine, some random bloke stuck his hand up my skirt when I was sitting on a wall) then that would have meant that I couldn't talk about my (first) rape which felt a lot more traumatic at the time. Having said that, the assault when I was a kid had far-reaching consequences I think which I'm only just beginning to think about.

BTW KatieMN - I am ChristinedePizan, twirling around under a new moniker!

[tinierclanger]

Another one who thinks the survey would have been better to separate rape and sexual assault. I've never been seriously sexually assaulted, and I answered No, but like the majority of women, I've been groped. I think failing to distinguish on that question will distort the results.

[HarryRedknappsDog]

Done

[BitchyHen]

done

[newbiedoobiedoo]

Done.

[PeppermintPanda]

Done

[Jellykat]

Done

[Exogenesis]

Completed.

[BillyBollyBandy]

I think there will be very few women who haven't been sexually assaulted, sadly.

Have completed the survey.

[QuintessentialyHollow]

Completed. But left mn nickname blank.

[QuintessentialyHollow]

Now, why did I say that?

[OneLieIn]

Done but didn't add any personal details.

[Fraktal]

Done.

tinier I don't agree it will distort results. Assault of a sexual nature is far too common in society and if this survey reveals that it is A Good Thing.

[JugglingWithTangentialOranges]

Another thing - I thought it was a pity you could only choose one age bracket (they said to put age bracket for earliest such bad experience) Wouldn't it be worth finding out all the applicable age brackets for the respondent ?
Otherwise dilemmas in doing the survey like Patti's post shows above. I would think many people may have experienced incidents ( possibly often more minor ones) in eg. teens and twenties, if not later in life too.

Overall I think the survey could have been better compiled in a couple of respects. I think you could be more reassuring too eg. Say that you can exit survey at any time, stress that you do not have to add contact details, and reassure that these will not be used. It's all very sensitive stuff and I admire people's honesty, and hope raising awareness will be for the good of all - especially the next generation.

[orangina]

Have done it, but think I have got the age bracket wrong. Ticked the age I am now, NOT the age I was first assaulted.

Am also shocked at how many times I was assaulted and while I was filling this out, how many times I thought to myself "well, that doesn't REALLY count......"

[tinierclanger]

Of course if the survey reveals it that's a Good Thing but it is confusing to complete and therefore won't reveal with the necessary clarity. I think it's great Mumsnet are doing this but questionnaire design is a sophisticated business and I think this one could have been better, that's all.

[mousymouseafraidofdogs]

orangina
absolutely, when I first started the survey I thought I have not been assaulted or raped. but thinking about it there have been many many incidents of inappropriate sexual contact/attention that are more or less just accepted in society.

[angrywoman]

Dunnit

[WildEyedAndHairy]

Have completed it but not sure my experiences fit with your definitions - have explained as well as I can so feel free to ignore mine if necessary.

If sex is consensual with a condom being used and then the male partner removes the condom mid way without telling you is that assault?

[racingheart]

I'm dense about law and don't know whether defence lawyer refers to the lawyer defending the victim against the rapist or the lawyer defending the rapist who is charged. The latter I'm guessing but please will you clarify?

[flowery]

I've done it but I think I've probably put the number of incidents too low, due to usual response to groping being rolling eyes therefore forgetting.

[NaughtyMrChicken]

Done

[PearsBeaufort]

Done.