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Sexual
assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that
you do not agree to, including: |
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inappropriate
touching |
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vaginal,
anal, or oral penetration |
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sexual
intercourse that you say no to |
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rape |
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attempted
rape |
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child
molestation |
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Sexual
assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces
a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.
Examples of this are voyeurism (when someone watches private
sexual acts), exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself
in public), incest (sexual contact between family members),
and sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations,
by a stranger in an isolated place, on a date, or in the
home by someone you know.
Rape is a common form of sexual assault. It is committed
in many situations — on a date, by a friend or an
acquaintance, or when you think you are alone. Educate
yourself on “date
rape” drugs. They can be slipped into
a drink when a victim is not looking. Never leave your
drink unattended — no matter where you are. Try to
always be aware of your surroundings. Date rape drugs
make a person unable to resist assault and can cause memory
loss so the victim doesn’t know what happened. |
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What
do I do if I’ve been sexually assaulted?
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Take
steps right away if you’ve been sexually assaulted. |
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Get
away from the attacker to a safe place as fast as you
can. Then call 911 or the police. |
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Call
a friend or family member you trust. You also can call
a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor.
One hotline is the National Sexual Assault Hotline at
800-656-HOPE (4673). Feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and
shock are normal. It is important to get counseling from
a trusted professional. |
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Do
not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Do not
change clothes if possible, so the hospital staff can
collect evidence. Do not touch or change anything at the
scene of the assault. |
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Go
to your nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
You need to be examined, treated for any injuries, and
screened for possible sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
or pregnancy. The doctor will collect evidence using a
rape kit for fibers, hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing
that the attacker may have left behind. |
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You
or the hospital staff can call the police from the emergency
room to file a report. |
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Ask
the hospital staff about possible support groups you can
attend right away. |
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Where
else can I go for help?
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If
you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. Don’t
be afraid to ask for help or support. Help is available.
You can call these organizations: |
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National
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224
(TDD) |
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National
Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) |
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There
are many organizations and hotlines in every state and
territory. These crisis centers and agencies work hard
to stop assaults and help victims. You can always contact
The Coalition to End Family Violence. |
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How
can I protect myself from being sexually assaulted?
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There
are things you can do to reduce your chances of being
sexually assaulted. Follow these tips from the National
Crime Prevention Council. |
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Be
aware of your surroundings — who’s out there
and what’s going on. |
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Walk
with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger
you appear. |
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Don’t
let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment. |
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Be
assertive — don’t let anyone violate your space. |
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Trust
your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings,
leave. |
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Don’t
prop open self-locking doors. |
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Lock
your door and your windows, even if you leave for just
a few minutes. |
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Watch
your keys. Don’t lend them. Don’t leave them.
Don’t lose them. And don’t put your name and
address on the key ring. |
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Watch
out for unwanted visitors. Know who’s on the other
side of the door before you open it. |
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Be
wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices
after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms. |
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Avoid
walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your
route. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas. |
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Have
your key ready to use before you reach the door —
home, car, or work. |
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Park
in well-lit areas and lock the car, even if you’ll
only be gone a few minutes. |
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Drive
on well-traveled streets, with doors and windows locked. |
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Never
hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker. |
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Keep
your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank. |
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In
case of car trouble, call for help on your cellular phone.
If you don’t have a phone, put the hood up, lock
the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror that says,
“Help. Call police.” |
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How
can I help someone who has been sexually assaulted?
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You
can help someone who is abused or who has been assaulted
by listening and offering comfort. Go with her or him
to the police, the hospital, or to counseling.
Reinforce the message that she or he is not at fault and
that it is natural to feel angry and ashamed. |
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