Sexual Assault is a touch or act that is sexual in content and is used for the gratification of the perpetuator by force, threat of force, trickery, coercion, bribery, or between two people where an imbalance exists in age, size, power, development or knowledge.
Sexual assault is a deliberate, hostile, and sometimes violent act of aggression that uses sex as a weapon. It is a crime of power, intended to degrade, intimidate, and to overpower.
Victims of sexual assault are often uncertain about what they should do. They may be afraid or embarrassed to talk to anyone about their circumstances. In more than half of reported cases, the victim and rapist are friends, acquaintances, or relatives. This can make discussion of the assault even more difficult for the victim.
Most rapists are repeat offenders. A victim can help prevent further assaults by reporting the incident to the police. As she decides whether or not she wants to report the assault, the Women's Resource Center can provide a trained advocate who can discuss options and give information to the victim . If the crime is reported, then the woman will be eligible for related medical care and counseling through Crime Victim's Assistance.
SEXUAL ASSAULT STATISTICS
Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
One in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape, and 10% of sexual assault victims are men.
In 2003-2004, there were an average annual 204,370 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18, and 80% are under age 30.
Since 1993, rape/sexual assault has fallen by over 64%.
More than five out of
ten of all rape cases (54 percent) occurred before victims reached the age of eighteen. Among
girls who were under age 13 at the time of their first sexual intercourse, 71 percent reported
that it was non-voluntary or unwanted.
ten of all rape cases (54 percent) occurred before victims reached the age of eighteen. Among
girls who were under age 13 at the time of their first sexual intercourse, 71 percent reported
that it was non-voluntary or unwanted.
ten of all rape cases (54 percent) occurred before victims reached the age of eighteen. Among
girls who were under age 13 at the time of their first sexual intercourse, 71 percent reported
that it was non-voluntary or unwanted.
ten of all rape cases (54 percent) occurred before victims reached the age of eighteen.
Among girls who were under age 13 at the time of their first sexual intercourse, 71 percent reported that it was non-voluntary or unwanted.
Sexual Assault Myths and Facts:
Myth: Victims who wear seductive clothing are asking to be sexually assaulted.
--Fact: No person wants to be forced into engaging in sexual activities-no matter how s/he is dressed.
Myth: Victims secretly want to be sexually assaulted. and victims who say " no" really mean "yes."
--Fact: Rape is a crime. No person wants the pain, injury and/or violence involved in sexual assault. The word "no" means " no" and should not be interpreted any other way.
Myth: Rapists are impulsive and cannot control their desires.
--Fact: Most sexual assaults are planned. (This myth robs abusers of taking responsibility for their own actions).
Myth: Most victims are sexually assaulted by strangers.
--Fact: A majority of sexual assaults are committed by people the victims know.
Myth: I am dating or married to this person, so it is not rape/sexual assault.
--Fact: Any forced or unwanted sexual act is a crime, regardless of the relationship of the perpetrator.
Effects of sexual assault:
Sexual assault can have many devastating effects on those who have experienced it. Some of them are listed below.
* Low self-esteem
* Guilt/Shame
* Anger
* Eating disorders
* Self-destructive behaviors
* Trust issues
* Relationship difficulties
* Fear
* Suicidal ideation
* Feeling powerless
* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
If you are sexually assaulted:
*Call the Women's Resource Center at 503-397-7110 or the Crisis Line at 503-397-6110. There is a trained sexual assault advocate and/or volunteers available to accompany you to the hospital, police station, and through the legal proceedings, if you want one. We also offer assistance to family and friends of victims.
*If you are going to report the assault, call the police (911) as soon as possible.
*To preserve evidence, do not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes. If you do change your clothing, place each article into its own brown paper bag and then take them to the hospital with you.
*Seek medical attention promptly to determine possible injury, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted disease. Ask to have a rape exam performed.
*Express your feelings-talk to someone with whom you are comfortable. |
