the basics.
rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault definitions, myths, & facts.
what is sexual assault?the basics.
rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault definitions, myths, & facts.
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. People of all ages, races, economic backgrounds, and lifestyles have been victims. Males as well as females are victims. All deserve help and support.
In most states, rape is defined as sexual contact achieved:
*without consent, or
*with use of physical force, coercion, deception, threat, and/or
*the victim is:
-mentally incapacitated or impaired,
-physically impaired (due to alcohol or drug consumption)
-asleep or unconscious.
what defines consent?
One of the most critical issues regarding sexual assault is consent. Sexual activity should not take place unless both parties have freely given consent, and consent is understood by both parties.
-silence does not mean consent
-if consent is given under duress (physical or emotional threats) it is not given freely or willingly
-if someone is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, it does not constitute consent (even if the person says yes)
what do I do if it happens to me?
1. go to a safe place
2. call someone you trust (a friend or a relative)
3. do not shower or clean up until you have reviewed your options
3. consider reporting the assault to the police department, or if you live on a college campus, Campus Security.
4. seek medical attention. even if you do not intend to report the rape, please seek help at your local emergency room.
If you were just raped and aren't sure what to do, please read this.
why should i seek medical attention?
Because you may have injuries you are not aware of. You are at risk for STD's and, if you are female, pregnancy. A hospital can provide treatment for any internal injuries and STD's, and collect evidence in the event that you wish to press charges. Be sure that if you seek medical attention you are not coerced into reporting the crime; that is your choice and your choice alone. You should be allowed to have a friend or counselor present during the exam, and be given all your options. Laws and procedures vary from state to state.
there was no penetration. was i still raped?
Legally, probably not as "rape" though this might be covered by your state's sexual assault law. However, even if penetration did not occur, you were still violated and still have the right to hurt and the necessity to heal. No one should illegitimize what happened because there was no penetration. The violence involved in an attempted rape is legitimate and can have the same impact on the survivor as a completed rape. Also, remember that rape can include oral or anal penetration. This pentration is not limited to penile, but can include other body parts or objects. The legal definition of rape can be tricky, but remember that even if the law is not on your side, many others are.
Rape Myths and Facts
Myth: Sexual assault is a crime of passion and lust.
Fact: Sexual assault is a crime of violence. Assailants seek to overpower their victims.
Myth: Rapists are usually strangers.
Fact: 80% of assaults involve acquaintances.
Myth: Gang rape is rare.
Fact: More than 40% of cases involve more than one assailant.
Myth: Rape is primarily a sexual crime.
Fact: Rape is a violent assault that is acted out sexually. It violates not only the victims's personal integrity, but also his/her sense of safety and control over his/her life.
Myth: Women are "asking for it" by their dress or actions.
Fact: Again, most rapes are planned. Research shows that rapists are looking for available, vulnerable targets - not women who dress in a particular way. No person asks to be hurt or degraded.
Myth: It is impossible for a husband to sexually assault his wife.
Fact: Regardless of marital or social relationship, if a woman does not consent to sexual activity, she is being sexually assaulted. In fact, 14% of women are victims of rape committed by their husband.
Myth: If a survivor doesn't "fight back" she/he wasn't really raped.
Fact: Rape is potentially life-threatening. Whatever a person does to survive the assault is the appropriate action.
Myth: Women "cry" rape.
Fact: Only two percent of reported rape and related sex offences are false (which is approximately the same rate of false reports for other crimes). Although many cases are dropped because of insufficient evidence for conviction, this should not be confused with false reporting.
Myth: Women who are drunk are willing to engage in any kind of sexual activity.
Fact: The fact that a woman has been drinking does not imply consent. Alcohol and drugs can render a woman incapable of consent.
Myth: Only young, pretty women are assaulted.
Fact: Survivors range in age from infancy to old age, and their appearance is seldom a consideration. Assailants often choose victims who seem most vulnerable to attack: old persons, children, physically or emotionally disabled persons, substance abusers and street persons. Men are also attacked.
Myth: It is impossible to sexually assault a man.
Fact: Men fall victim for the same reasons as women: they are overwhelmed by threats or acts of physical and emotional violence. Also, most sexual assaults that involve a male victim are gang assaults.
Myth: It wasn't rape because the victim didn't resist.
Fact: Many people erroneously believe that a person can't be raped if they put up a struggle. However, rape
survivors commonly report fearing for their lives and being immobilized by that fear. Few people, women in particular, are trained to protect themselves, and in a gang rape situation, the number of assailants is enough to inhibit resistance. A person need not physically resist rape. If they do not consent or are unconscious or intoxicated and cannot consent, it's rape. Against a person's will is against the law.
Myth: Survivors should get over the rape quickly.
Fact: Nearly every survivor is left with trauma that extends far beyond the actual incident. Most common are Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Rape Trauma Syndrome, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, eating disorders, self injury, and thoughts of suicide.
Myth: It is easy to prosecute a rapist.
Fact: In 1991, at least 7,881 new rape cases were brought to Minnesota rape crisis centers. In the same year, 1,944 cases were reported to law enforcement agencies, but only 311 offenders were incarcerated for criminal sexual conduct in MN.
Myth: Rape is a woman's problem.
Fact: Rape is everyone's problem. Men are often victims too. Very generally speaking, it is also men who are the rapists, and they need to learn to take responsibility for their actions. The justice system needs to make changes that place the assailant, not the victim on trial. Society needs to reject the misogynism that is present in the media and is ingrained in our families, schools, and government. We need to reject rape-glorifying entertainment and jokes. We all need to take responsibility for rape and sexual abuse.
These facts, definitions, and statistics have been compiled from various sources, including RAINN
and the Minnesota Coalition against Sexual Assault (MCASA).
