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Sexual Assault
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| 1 in 4 women will be forcibly raped in her life Only 2% of rapists are convicted and imprisoned Rape is increasing faster than any other crime in the United States. Sexual violence is forced, manipulated, coerced or unwanted sexual activity. It includes rape, child molestation, incest, acquaintance rape, marital rape, exposure, voyeurism and sexual harassment. Whether committed by a stranger, acquaintance, or a family member or spouse, it is not motivated by sexual desire. It is violence and power expressed by a sexual act. Most people think of sexual assaults as being committed by strangers, but stranger rape accounts for only one out of every five rapes. Most survivors are assaulted by some one they know. One out of every three women and one out of every six men in the United States will be sexually victimized in their lifetime. Most do not report the assault, because they are ashamed, afraid they won’t be believed, or blame themselves for the assault. Childhood sexual abuse is tricked or forced sexual contact between a child and an adult, or between a child and a much older child. If the offender is a family member the abuse is called incest. It may include fondling, oral sex, anal sex or intercourse. Inappropriate sexual talk and exposing oneself to a child is also child abuse. The majority of offenders are heterosexual men who are related to or know the children they abuse. Abusers bribe or threaten the child into secrecy so the abuse is not revealed. About 90% of all childhood sexual abuse is never reported to authorities. Child abuse is against the law. Child victims and their parent(s) or guardians will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement and social service agencies since WISE does not generally provide emergency services to pre-adolescent victims of abuse. What to do if you are raped: - Call 911 and/or a rape crisis hotline - Seek help from a friend - Get immediate medical attention - Consider whether you want to file charges, now or later - Get help and support, such as counseling - Keep a journal - Do not blame yourself Effects of Rape: - Fear of being alone - Fear of men - Sexual problems - Depression - Fear of retaliation - Reluctance to trust - Concern over reactions from friends and family - Physical problems - Feelings of anger, helplessness, guilt, pain, embarrassment and anxiety - Denial, not wanting to talk about what happened Things you can do to help a rape survivor: - Listen, do not judge - Offer shelter - Be accessible - Give comfort - Let him or her know he/she is not to blame - Be patient and understanding - Empower survivors to make decisions - Accept his/her choice of solution to rape - Put aside your feelings and deal with them somewhere else - Do not be overly protective |
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