SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual violence is, first and foremost, an act of violence, hatred and aggression. Whether it is viewed clinically or legally, violence is the common denominator. Like other acts of violence (assault and battery, murder), there is a violation of and injury to a victim. The injuries may be psychological or physical. In acts of sexual violence, usually the injuries are both.

Sexual assault is one of the most frequently committed violent crimes and its reported rate of incidence is steadily increasing. Statistics indicate one in every four adult women will be sexually assaulted at least once in her lifetime. Date and/or acquaintance rape accounts for over 50 percent of all rapes.

Statistics also indicate that one in four girls, and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18.

Sexual assault is a generic term that encompasses a continuum of sexual acts committed against a person's will. Acts can range from fondling the breasts and/or genitals to forced sexual intercourse, known as rape.

Date/acquaintance rape occurs when another person forces you to have unwanted sex, such as sexual touches, penetration, or forcing or tricking you into posing for sexually explicit photographs.

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT RAPE

Rape is a violent crime, a hostile attack, and an attempt to hurt and humiliate a person. It is not the result of "uncontrolled passions."

Rape can happen to anyone. Children, grandmothers, students, working women, mothers, and even males are the victims of rape.

Rape can occur anywhere and at any time, in public or in your own home, day or night.

Rapists are not necessarily strangers. In fact, in over one third of the reported cases, the rapists is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend or relative of the victim. Statistics show that 80 percent of the assailants are known to the victim.

PREVENTION TIPS

First, know the facts about rape. Become aware of locations and situations where rape might occur and avoid them.

Consider your alternatives if confronted by a rapist. Practice possible responses so that you can recall them under the stress of a real encounter.

OUTSIDE

Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are in an area that is dark.

Whenever possible, travel with a friend.

Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.

Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears to be vulnerable.

Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys, if possible. Walk where there are lights and people. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk on the other side of the street.

If in danger, scream and run, yell fire, or break a window to attract attention.

AT HOME

Many rapes occur in or near the victim's home. One of the best ways to prevent sexual assault is to practice good home security.

CAR SAFETY

IF ATTACKED

Remember that your main concern must always be your safety. The decision to fight back, submit, or resist depends on you and the situation.  However, your best defense is to be prepared. Know your options ahead of time; your safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and calm.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF RAPE

Get help immediately. Call the police, sheriff, a rape crisis center, doctor, friend or relative.

Do not wash, douche, change clothes or clean up in any; valuable evidence could be destroyed by doing so.  Talk to the police and go to the hospital first. 

Remember that you are the victim. You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: HOW TO HELP

After a rape, survivors may be openly upset, even hysterical, or they may be numb and seemingly calm. The victim needs to:

Obtain medical assistance for the victim. She may particularly need medical attention in the first few days. She should obtain STD testing, a pregnancy test, counseling and treatment for her injuries.

Help her to feel safe. Rape is a traumatic violation of a person. Stay with her, and find support people for her to turn to.

Let her know you believe her.  With date rape especially, victims need to be believed that what occurred is in fact, a rape. This is a very important fact in recovery. Don't blame her or agree with her if she blames herself. Even if she made some bad decisions, no one asks to be raped.

Help her to take control of her life. When a person is raped, she may feel completely out of control of what is happening to her. A significant step on the road to recovery is to regain a sense of control in little, as well as big things.

Give her choices to make and empower her.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Listen, do not judge. Accept her version of the facts and be supportive. Do not ask how this happened and do not offer any explanation for why this occurred.

Offer shelter. If it is possible, stay with her or offer to let her stay with you.

Be available. She may need to talk about her feelings. Be there as much as you can, and encourage her either to call a hot line or seek counseling.

Give comfort. She needs to be nurtured. She needs to be reassured that the rapist is to blame; she is not.

Be patient and understanding. Encourage action. Respect her wishes.

RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT