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| Sexual Violence |
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual Violence is any form of unwanted sexual contact from one individual to another. It can range from unwanted touching to forced sexual intercourse (rape). There are many forms of sexual violence and anyone can be a victim as this crime does not discriminate; it can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual preference, etc.
Sexual Violence Includes:
Acquaintance Sexual Assault - The majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, such as a dating partner, friend, co-worker, neighbor, classmate, etc. This form of sexual assault can be devastating for a victim because it means there has been a violation caused by someone the victim knew and trusted. This can cause a victim to question their own judge of character and have a general distrust of others.
Sexual Coercion: Sexual coercion is being persuaded into a sexual relationship when both parties are not ready or willing. It often includes pressure, flattery, and guilt, threats to end the relationships, buying of gifts or making the victim feel as though sex is “owed.” Sexual coercion often occurs in relationships that are unbalanced in some way, such as with age, experience or power. It can lead to unwanted pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, and a wide range of emotional problems. If you are feeling pressured to have sex, you may be experiencing sexual coercion.
Stranger Sexual Assault - This is any form of unwanted sexual contact between the victim and someone he/she does not know. This form of sexual assault is not as common as other forms of sexual violence, but is typically very traumatic for the victim.
Marital Sexual Assault and Marital Rape - Any non-consensual sexual contact forced upon a spouse is marital sexual assault. This type of sexual violence is very common in homes where there is also domestic violence. Many people in today’s society do not feel as though sexual assault can occur within marriage. It is very common and is often not identified as a form of sexual violence. As a result, many victims do not report these crimes and do not seek assistance.
Male Sexual Assault - Because so few males report sexual violence when it occurs, it is thought that only females are victims of sexual assault. Males are also victims of these crimes, both as children and during adulthood. It is estimated that 90% of all male victims never report their assault to the police for fear of ridicule and due to the shame that is common among most sexual assault victims. Male are also the most common perpetrators of male sexual assault victims, as it is a crime of power and control and not a crime of sexual gratification.
Child Sexual Assault - Any sexual contact between a child and an adult and/or an older child for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator. This can include any type of inappropriate touching, rape or attempted rape, forcing a child view or participate in creating pornography or allowing the child to watch or hear any type of sexual activity or view any sexual materials. Victims of sexual abuse may be girls or boys of any age. It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18, between 80%-90% of the time by someone the child knows. Child sexual abuse can cause serious and long-lasting psychological and emotional harm, especially with little to no intervention.
Elder Sexual Abuse - Any situation in which an older or dependent adult is coerced, forced or manipulated into sexual acts of any kind, sexual contact with an adult that is unable to consent, or any sexual contact between a service provider and dependent client. It may occur with other forms of abuse, including neglect, physical, emotional, and/or financial abuse.
Incest - Any sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, which takes place between family members that are not married. This includes parents or stepparents, siblings, cousins, or extended family, such as grandparents, aunts or uncles. This type of sexual violence can occur in any family and the effects of such abuse can be detrimental. For the victim, there is often a loss of trust, feelings of guilt, sexual problems as well as self-destructive behavior.
Secondary Victim/Survivor - You are a secondary victim/survivor if you have family member, friend, partner, child, or are very close to an individual that has experienced some form of sexual violence. Often, secondary victims/survivors are the first to be told about the assault or abuse and many go through many of the same emotions that the survivors’ experience. If you are a secondary victim there are many ways for you to have a positive influence on the survivor’s healing process. Believe and listen to the victim and reinforce the fact that it is never the victim’s fault. Educate yourself on the issues so that you may offer accurate information. Also, take care of yourself. The emotions of being a secondary victim/survivor may become too overwhelming for you. Seek counseling or a support group to help you deal with these feelings. Otherwise, the victim may start to comfort you.
If You are Raped or Sexually Assaulted:
- Each situation is unique. Use your best judgment to determine what you must do to survive the assault.
- Get to a safe place.
- Realize that it is NOT your fault and you are NOT to blame.
- There are many options available to you. We encourage you to seek medical care. There may be injuries that you are not aware of such as the possibility of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
- You can call the police. You can file a report, press charges, or just get assistance.
- If you choose to report, preserve all physical evidence. Do NOT change clothes, brush your teeth, brush your hair, or take a shower. Try not to urinate. Evidence can be collected by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, who has received specialized training on how to collect evidence and to provide support to adult and child sexual assault victims.
- Seek emotional support. Call someone you trust to be with you or to pick you up.
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Call The Haven at 1-800-224-2836 for support, hospital accompaniment, advocacy, and information and/or referral.
Sexual Assault Prevention Tips:
Remember - Sexual assault is NEVER your fault and not every assault can be prevented. You can reduce the risk by doing the following:
- Trust your instincts.
- Learn to recognize intrusive or offender behaviors; be assertive or leave when confronted with them.
- Be aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs.
- Don't leave your beverage unattended; take it to the rest room with you or finish it before leaving it unattended and do not accept drinks from "friends". The threat of date rape drugs is real.
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Always keep car doors locked.
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Carry a cell phone or keep emergency money for phone calls when traveling.
- Don't open your house door to strangers.
- Do ask for ID of any service person or official who requests entry to your home.
- If followed in your car, go to a police station or sheriff's office. Do not drive to your home or place of business.
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