Definition Sexual violence takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually sexual violence occurs when someone touches any part of another person’s body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person’s consent. Some types of sexual acts which fall under the category of sexual violence include forced sexual intercourse (rape), sodomy (oral or anal sexual acts), child molestation, incest, fondling and attempted rape. Sexual violence in any form is often a devastating crime. Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family members. Assailants commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure or tricks. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted.
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
After sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure what to do next. You may be considering working with the criminal justice system, but are unsure of where to start. Learning more about what steps you can take following sexual violence can help ground you in a difficult time.
For more information about sexual violence and resources, visit: NSVRS.org
*Warning sensitive topics below*
What is Rape?
The U.S. Department of Justice defines rape as “the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” The federal government uses this legal definition to collect information from local police about rape. The legal definition of rape may be slightly different in your community.
Giving your consent means giving a clear “yes” to any type of sexual activity, though the laws about consent vary from state to state. It is also rape when penetration takes place when you are drunk, high, drugged, passed out, or asleep and cannot give consent. People under the age of 18 (in most states) cannot give consent to sexual activity with an adult.
How can I tell if I have been raped?
You may not be sure if you were raped. The definition of rape is different in different states. But you may have been raped if you were penetrated — even partially — by a body part or object without your permission. In some states, penetration by other body parts, such as fingers or objects, is also rape. If you were drinking, were drugged, or were unconscious, you may not know if you were raped.
Find out more and get help by calling the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network http://www.rainn.org or by calling 800-656-HOPE(4673).
What should I do if I have been raped?
-Get to a safe place. Call 911 if you can. The most important thing after a rape is your safety.
-Don’t wash or clean your body. If you shower, bathe, or wash after an assault, you might wash away important evidence. Don’t brush, comb, or clean any part of your body, including your teeth. Don’t change clothes, if possible. Don’t touch or change anything at the scene of the assault. That way, the local police will have physical evidence from the person who assaulted you.
-Get medical care. Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You need to be examined and treated for injuries. A doctor or nurse may give you medicine to prevent HIV and some other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Ask for a sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE) or a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) these are staff members who are trained to collect evidence of sexual assault. If you give permission for the doctors and nurses to do a sexual assault exam, that does not mean you are required to report the rape to the police. Giving your permission for the exam only means the doctors and nurses have your permission to collect DNA and other evidence from your body. You do not have to report the incident in order for the hospital to collect evidence in a rape kit.
-Call The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) they have trained advocates and counselors who can talk you through the process and answer and questions you may have.
-If you think you were drugged, talk to the hospital staff about being tested for date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid). Date rape drugs pass through the body quickly and may not be detectable by the time you get tested.
-Reach out for help. The hospital staff can connect you with the Lake County Crisis Center. We can help you make choices about reporting the sexual assault and getting help through counseling and support. All of our services are free and confidential. We are here for you. You can also call a friend or family member you trust to call the crisis center or hotline for you. Crisis centers and hotlines have trained volunteers and other professionals (such as mental health professionals) who can help you find support and resources near you. One hotline is the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). If you are in the military, you may also call the Department of Defense (DOD) Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.
-Report the sexual assault to the police. If you want to report the assault to the police, hospital workers can help you contact the local police. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you want to report sexual assault that happened in the past, call your local police non-emergency number or make a report in person at the police station.
-Talk to someone about reporting the assault to the police. If you want to talk to someone first about reporting the assault, you can call the Lake County Crisis Center or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). An advocate or counselor can help you understand how to report the crime. Even though these calls are free, they may appear on your phone bill. If you think that the person who sexually assaulted you may check your phone bill, try to call from a friend’s phone or a public phone.
-If the person who assaulted you was a stranger, write down as many details as you can remember about the person and what happened. This will help you make a clear statement to police and medical providers about the sexual assault. With good information, they will be better able to help you and find the person who assaulted you.
Why do I need medical care after a rape?
After a rape, it can be difficult to think about being touched in personal areas by doctors or nurses. But it’s important that you get examined by health professionals who can look for internal injuries and get you medicines to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
If you think you were drugged, ask the hospital or clinic to take a urine sample. This will make it possible to test for date rape drugs like Rohypnol or GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid). But these drugs pass through the body quickly and may not be detectable by the time you are tested.
It is important that you seek support after an assault. Finding the right mental health counselor is a great first step. They can help work with you through difficult emotions and feelings that may come up as a result of this incident.
What if I cant afford to pay?
Under the Violence Against Women Act (PDF, 410 KB), your medical exam after sexual assault should be free. Every state also has a crime victim compensation program. https://www.doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/victims-services/compensation-for-victims-of-crime/ . These programs can help you with medical expenses, counseling, and lost pay from missing work.
You can get more information and counseling from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN ) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Information provided by http://womenshealth.gov
Violencia Sexual
La violencia sexual es cualquier acto sexual Que no es una opcion viable para cualquier persona Involucrada (debido al uso de alchol/ drogas coercion Incapacidad fisica o mental).
La violencia sexual comprende una amplia gama. De victimizacion como violenciao intent de violencia. Estos pueden incluir hechos terminados o intentados Que general mente involucran cotacto sexual No consentido entr el sobreviviente y delinquent.
Abuso sexual incluye chiste sexuales que lo Incomodo, tratarle como un objeto sexual, exigir sexo, Sexo exigente despues de abuser fisicamente de ti. Toque molesto o no deseado, y el abusador es Promiscuo con otros.
Experimentando la violencia sexual puede Sentirese muy traumatizante. Aislar y etimatizar sin embargo recuerde que hay ayuda. Nadie merece ser agredido o abusado sexualmente.
Que es el consentimiento? Para dar su consentimeiento Significa que es una pareja dispuesta en una actividad Sexual. Si no lo hace o no puede dar su consentimeiento Cuando alguien te toca de una manera sexual. Estan cometiendo aggression sexual.