Sexual Assault Information
Sexual assault is non-consensual contact by an offender which can include: stranger and non-stranger rape, marital rape, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual exploitation (professional sexual misconduct, prostitution, trafficking, etc.).
The offender can be a stranger, but is more likely to be a family member, friend, or someone with whom the victim is familiar. Sexual assault is a crime and anyone can be a victim regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, and social or economic status.
Common Myths about Sexual Assault
MYTH: Sexual Assault only happens in big cities, not in rural areas or small towns.
FACT: Sexual assault occurs in large and small communities alike. Often, victims do not report sexual assault because they fear retaliation, blame, or disbelief. In addition, victims living in rural areas may feel a lack of anonymity that may prevent them from coming forward about the crime.
MYTH: Victims bring sexual assault on themselves by flirting, wearing sexy clothes, or by consuming alcohol or drugs.
FACT: A sexual assault is ALWAYS the fault of the perpetrator. They chose to commit the act of violence. A person should be free to dress and behave in anyway they desire and not be concerned that they will be assaulted for making those choices.
MYTH: False reporting of sexual assault is frequent and is usually because someone is seeking revenge.
FACT: According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), false reporting of sexual assault occurs only about 2% of the time which is similar to false reporting rates of other types of crimes.
MYTH: The best way for a person to protect themselves against sexual assault is to avoid walking alone at night and to not speak with strangers.
FACT: The majority of sexual assaults occur by someone the victims knows and the assault usually takes place in a private residence.
MYTH: People with disabilities are not victims of sexual assault.
FACT: People with disabilities are at a greater risk of being victimized. Some people with disabilities rely on others for care and may encounter more barriers when seeking help and services.
Tips in Case of an Attack or Assault
If you are attacked:
- Don't panic.
- Assess your situation and react with clarity, purpose, determination, confidence.
- Look for ways to escape.
- Head for bright lights and people.
- Look directly at the person and make eye contact.
- Respond in a verbally assertive manner.
- Command the attacker to stop.
- Be ready for the next move.
- Show no fear.
- Crying, pleading, threatening and stalling are often ineffective.
- Do whatever you can to attract attention and get help.
- Yell, scream, make lots of noise (shout "fire!" -
- not "help!").
- Run away, but only if you know you can make it.
- Use keys, pencil, book, purse/briefcase, or other tools to attack the face, throat, groin, or other vulnerable areas.
- Do not get into a car with an attacker or go with the attacker to another location.
- If you are attacked while driving, crash your car. The crash will draw attention and may disable the attacker long enough to escape.
If you are assaulted:
- Go to a safe place.
- Contact someone you trust to help (friend, counselor, rape crisis center, etc.).
- Tell someone what happened.
- Report the assault to law enforcement, if you can.
- Do not change clothes, bathe, or do anything else that might destroy evidence.
- Seek medical attention (treatment for injuries, STDs, and unwanted pregnancy) and have evidence collected.
- Talk to a mental health professional.
- Remember: the attack was NOT your fault.
If someone you care about was assaulted:
- Listen without interrupting, questioning, or judging.
- Believe what they tell you.
- Accept their feelings and reactions (or lack of) as normal responses to assault.
- Reassure them that the attack was not their fault.
- Explain options and resources available for them.
- Ask them what they need from you and provide it (if you can).
- Encourage them to report the assault.
- Encourage them to see medical and mental health professionals for treatment.
- Empower them to chose/control what happens next.
- Do not force or pressure them to do anything they do not want to do.
- Support their decisions.
- Be patient.
- Respect their rights to privacy and confidentiality.
- Seek help and support for yourself, too.
Risk Reduction and Personal Safety Tips
Wherever you are:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Carry yourself assertively.
- Be prepared to react/respond.
- Trust your instincts.
- Do not trust any strangers -- no matter how friendly and helpful they are.
- Enforce your physical and emotional boundaries.
- Know what you can use as weapons.
- Call the police if you feel you are in danger.
In your home:
- Keep doors and windows closed and locked with quality locks and/or deadbolts.
- Keep garage doors closed and locked.
- Install a one-way peephole in the entry door.
- Make sure entrances are well lit and nearby trees and shrubs are trimmed.
- Keep spare keys in less obvious places (do not use flower pot, doormat, etc.).
- Keep windows covered.
- Leave lights on when you are gone.
- Never reveal that you are home alone (talk to or about a fictitious person).
- Do not mention how long someone has been gone or when they will return.
- Do not respond to mysterious/obscene phone calls. Hang up and contact the phone company or police.
- Don't allow strangers into your home.
- Require identification and verification from anyone coming to your home.
- If you need to allow people into your home, do not let them out of your sight.
- Use the elevator rather than the stairs. If you are uncomfortable being in the elevator with someone, get out and wait for the next one. Stand near the control buttons so that you can get out or sound the alarm if necessary.
At social gatherings:
- Go with people you trust and stay together.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back.
- Have a signal for emergencies.
- Stay in control.
- Keep cell phone with you.
- Express clearly what you want.
- Don't go anywhere with someone you don't know.
- Plan your own way home / arrange your own transportation.
- Avoid intoxication. It causes impaired judgement, blackouts, lack of physical coordination, and slows response time.
- Don't leave a drink unattended or take a drink someone else has made for you.
- Avoid secluded or isolated places.
In your car:
- Make sure your car is operating properly and has sufficient gas.
- Have someone walk you to your car or leave with a group of people.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Choose lots or garages with attendants when possible.
- Watch for loiterers in parking areas.
- Keep keys ready to use.
- Keep car doors locked at all times (whether you are in or out of your car).
- Look around before you get in or out of the car.
- Before getting in, check the car for intruders.
- Do not give rides to strangers.
- Do not drive in poorly lit areas.
- Leave a distance between your car and others.
- If you think you are being followed: drive to a busy, well lit, populated area; honk your horn for help; flash you lights on and off; call the police.
- Avoid out of the way stops -- especially when you are alone.
- Do not pull over to the side of the road if someone in another car indicates there is something wrong with your car. Drive to the nearest gas station or public place to check your car.
- If you have car trouble, stay in your car. If someone offers to help you, ask him or her to call the police for you.
On the street:
- Stay alert.
- Walk with confidence: head held high, back straight, deliberate stride.
- Carry a flashlight, whistle, etc.
- Keep keys ready.
- Avoid poorly lit streets, parking lots, alleys, stairwells, etc.
- Stay a safe distance from overgrown shrubbery.
- Walk on the side of the street where you face traffic.
- Never accept a ride.
- If you think you are being followed, turn and look around.
- Avoid carrying large, bulky purses or packages.
With public transportation:
- Wait in busy, well-lit areas
- Avoid isolated spots.
- Stand away from the curb.
- Be alert, look around you.
- Sit near the driver/operator.
While traveling:
- Gather as much information as possible about the destination before traveling.
- Obtain information and directions from a reliable source.
- Travel in a group when possible.
- Do not share information with strangers.
- Avoid the appearance of being lost. Look and act confident.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards.