How to Gain Awareness About Sexual Assault

Sexual assault occurs when physical force, threat or abuse is used to violate a person against their will and consent. It can be committed by a stranger, friend, loved one and even a neighbor. Sexual assault also consists of any verbal or visual forced and unwarranted sexual contact and attention. Educating people about these horrible crimes will help to prevent sexual assault.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn what sexual assault is. It is any sexual contact that a person does not consent to. This may include inappropriate touching, sodomy, intercourse, forced oral sex, fondling, rape, child molestation and other forced contacts.
2. Sexual assault happens regardless of gender, relationship and age.
3. Understand what consent means. Consent has not been given when the victim is forced, threatened, coerced, drugged, asleep, unconscious and incapacitated. A victim that has verbally expressed “no” has not given consent.
4. Victims of sexual assault often do not report the crime. There is so much fear and shame surrounding the type of crime sexual assault is that it keeps the victim from wanting to speak about it. Also, sexual assault comes with a stigma, and too often victims are subjected to scrutiny and blame for placing themselves in the predicament they found themselves in.
5. Identify the effects of sexual assault. As with any crime, the victim is left to pick up the pieces of their life, but because this type of crime has violated something so personal and private, that the effects can prevent the victim from moving on with life. Some of the common effects include: lack of trust, diminished self worth, self-blame, guilt, rage, shame, fearful, helpless, grief, alienation, depression and even future sexual dysfunction.
6. Take steps to prevent sexual assault. This can be accomplished by knowing your surroundings, be more assertive, take self-defense course, locking windows and doors and trust your own inner instincts.
7. Use the buddy system. When females go out for social purposes, they should go out in groups and make sure to look after each other. Do not allow friends to over indulge in alcohol, and never leave drinks unattended at tables. Do not let a friend leave with a stranger; sure, they are an adult, but as a friend it is your responsibility to think sensible even when your friend is not.
8. Keep the car well maintained. The last thing a person wants to happen is to have their car break down on an isolated road. So make sure the car is well maintained and filled with gas. Also, try to travel roads that are well traveled and populated.
9. Make sure to report sexual assault. The first instinct may be to fear telling anyone and thinking that some how it was your fault. However, failing to report the incident will not change the fact that it happened, and will allow the perpetrator to repeat the offense with someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have been sexually assaulted or know someone who has, there is the National Sexual Assault Hotline ready and available to assist the victim. So do not hesitate to call (800) 656-HOPE (4673).