Preventing
Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault

      Rape is only one type of sexual assault. Sexual assault refers to "any unwanted" sexual activity. Both rape and sexual assault are personal humiliations whose devastation is more often to the mind and emotions than to the body.

      Types of sexual assault can include non-physical acts such as obscene phone calls, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and sexual harassment.

   Rape is an act of sexual aggression committed by one person against another person without consent. Rape is a crime of anger, violence and hostility and is usually accompanied by feelings of anger and shock, as well as physical and emotional trauma.
  

The Victims

     Victims often do not seek help or tell anyone about the rape because it is not identified as rape. They may feel ashamed, guilty, betrayed, and frightened, particularly after being raped by someone they know.

     Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It literally crosses all age, racial, sexual, and economic barriers.

     Sexual assault occurs between strangers, acquaintances, friends and most of the time occurs between individuals who know each other in some way, such as in acquaintance rape, date rape, incest, and marital rape.

Reducing Your Risk of Sexual Assault

      Potentially dangerous situations can be avoided by keeping the following precautions in mind:

BE ASSERTIVE. You have the right to refuse requests without explaining, to express discomfort, to change your mind, and to ask others to adjust behavior that is bothering you.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel uneasy, pay attention. If you feel threatened, get out of the situation immediately. Forget your embarrassment and your manners.

BE CAUTIOUS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. Someone intending to commit rape may try to blur the judgement of the victim with alcohol or drugs. It is unwise for a victim to drink more than they can handle, as it can increase the risk of sexual assault.

EXERCISE GOOD COMMON SENSE. Take precautions such as keeping doors and windows locked. Never open a door for strangers or walk alone at night. Make as much noise as possible if someone attacks you, and find well lit areas or more crowded areas if someone is following you.