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Sexual Assault
What is Sexual Assault?
Any sex act performed against your will or where your
consent was gained by threats or acts of violence. Sexual assault
is a crime motivated by power and control. A victim of sexual assault
can be someone who was:
- Pressured or forced to engage in sexual activity by a stranger, acquaintance,
partner, or spouse.
- Touched sexually without consent.
- Sexually harassed including obscene phone calls, cat calls,
inappropriate employer or coworker proposition.
- Touched inappropriately during childhood.
- Unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to give consent to sexual
acts.
Facts About Sexual Assault
- Rape is an act of violence motivated by a wish to express power, dominance,
anger, and control. Rape is not about unfulfilled sexual desire.
- One in three women and one in six men will be a victim of some form
of sexual assault in their lifetime.
- The majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to
the victim/survivor and occur in their home.
- No one asks to be raped. No one wants to be humiliated. Remember
that the motive for rape is not sexual desire, therefore the degree
of 'provocative' clothing is not a factor in the assault
- There have been reported sexual assaults and as old as 96 years. People
of all ages, lifestyles, socioeconomic groups, and colors may become
victims at some time in their life.
- Men are affected by sexual assault by being victims themselves, as
well as being impacted when the women in their lies become victims.
- Survivors of sexual assault can heal, but it takes time. Talking about
it to someone who is not victim-blaming can help.
If You Are Raped
- Observe all you can about your attacker. Remember, that most victims
of rape know who the attacker is. Try to remember identifying
information such as age, height, weight, scars, clothing, and
what was said during the assault
- Seek medical attention. Do not bathe or clean yourself. This
could destroy valuable evidence. The medical exam is paid for
by the Crime Victim Compensation Program. Getting the exam does
not mean that you must make a report to the police, but will allow
evidence to be preserved if at a later date you decide to prosecute.
- Remember that sexual assault is a crime and if you choose, you can
report it to the police.
- Call Crisis Intervention Services for information, support, counseling,
and accompaniment during the rape exam and assistance with the legal
process.
If Someone Tells You They Have Been
Sexually Assaulted
- Believe them.
- Assure them that it was not their fault.
- Tell them you're sorry that it happened.
- Provide a safe environment for them.
- Seek assistance from an advocate trained to deal with sexual
abuse issues.
- Remember that it is important for survivors to make their own
decisions as a step to regaining control and overcoming feelings
of helplessness.
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