What are the motifs in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson?

Sexual assault is a recurring idea through the story. The vicious crime of rape has broken Melinda's spirit and left her vulnerable, depressed, confused and alienated. Melinda goes through what so many rape victims experience-feelings of shame, wondering if she brought it on herself, anger turned inward, fear of being touched, a need to protect herself any way she can and the inability to talk about it. Melinda's rapist continues to torture her by his presence in her school, by his leering remarks and occasional touches.