What is Sexual Assault?
The definition of sexual assault as provided by Brown University is as follows:
"Sexual assault is the legal term for rape, and it also encompasses other behaviors beyond forced sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can be any unwanted sexual contact, such as unwanted touching, fondling, or groping of sexual body parts. It can be committed by the use of threats, force, or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent, such as intoxication."
The statistics regarding sexual assault in the United States are astounding. According to RAINN (the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network - www.rainn.org), a woman is sexually assaulted every two and a half minutes! Further, they claim that one in every six American women is a victim of sexual assault. Finally, they state that 44% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18.
Let's briefly consider the different kinds of rape. Ingrained in the American imagination is the notion of a shadowy figure lurking in the bushes, lying in wait for an unaccompanied woman. In reality, however, rape by a stranger is not the norm. According to RAINN, only 26% of rapes are committed by strangers. The vast majority of rapes are committed by acquaintances. Interestingly enough. 28% of rapes are committed by friends of the victim.
"Sexual assault is the legal term for rape, and it also encompasses other behaviors beyond forced sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can be any unwanted sexual contact, such as unwanted touching, fondling, or groping of sexual body parts. It can be committed by the use of threats, force, or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent, such as intoxication."
The statistics regarding sexual assault in the United States are astounding. According to RAINN (the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network - www.rainn.org), a woman is sexually assaulted every two and a half minutes! Further, they claim that one in every six American women is a victim of sexual assault. Finally, they state that 44% of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18.
Let's briefly consider the different kinds of rape. Ingrained in the American imagination is the notion of a shadowy figure lurking in the bushes, lying in wait for an unaccompanied woman. In reality, however, rape by a stranger is not the norm. According to RAINN, only 26% of rapes are committed by strangers. The vast majority of rapes are committed by acquaintances. Interestingly enough. 28% of rapes are committed by friends of the victim.
Reporting A Sexual Assault
After an assault, you may want to go to the hospital. A visit to a medical facility will ensures that you have no internal injuries from the sexual assault and determines whether or not you've contracted a disease. You may also choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam "rape kit" while at the hospital. During this, a specially trained nurse know as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will collect evidence
Also having biological evidence is essential in pressing charges, if you choose to do so, against a perpetrator. We should make clear the fact that you ARE NOT obligated to press charges. There are many reasons to press charges:
To take a sexual predator off the streets
To prevent future rapes
To send a clear message that sexual assaults are not acceptable
To help bring closure to the experience
However, we do not pressure clients to press charges. The decision to prosecute is a personal one and one that deserves a great deal of thought on the part of the victim. RAINN recommends that you at least make a police report so that evidence collection can begin immediately and to increase the probability of a conviction. Again, at Safe Space we do not pressure you to file a police report. Secondly, be aware that sexual assaults are never the victim's fault. Finally, we suggest that you call an advocate. At Safe Space we have advocates on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. These advocates can help you through the process and can even attend the medical examination if you wish.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact without consent. Often times, it goes unreported. It is always a painful intrusion which disrupts the lives of its victims. It is often called "the best kept secret" because victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, dirty, and most of all, as if they did something to cause an assault. The victim is never at fault for a rape!
RAINN and MCADSV (the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence) have very comprehensive information pages regarding sexual assaults and the process of making a police report, pressing charges, and collecting evidence.
If RAINN or MCADSV does not have an answer to one of your questions or if you need local support, please feel free to contact us at 1-406-782-8511 with any questions or concerns. We treat all correspondence confidentially.
Also having biological evidence is essential in pressing charges, if you choose to do so, against a perpetrator. We should make clear the fact that you ARE NOT obligated to press charges. There are many reasons to press charges:
To take a sexual predator off the streets
To prevent future rapes
To send a clear message that sexual assaults are not acceptable
To help bring closure to the experience
However, we do not pressure clients to press charges. The decision to prosecute is a personal one and one that deserves a great deal of thought on the part of the victim. RAINN recommends that you at least make a police report so that evidence collection can begin immediately and to increase the probability of a conviction. Again, at Safe Space we do not pressure you to file a police report. Secondly, be aware that sexual assaults are never the victim's fault. Finally, we suggest that you call an advocate. At Safe Space we have advocates on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. These advocates can help you through the process and can even attend the medical examination if you wish.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact without consent. Often times, it goes unreported. It is always a painful intrusion which disrupts the lives of its victims. It is often called "the best kept secret" because victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, dirty, and most of all, as if they did something to cause an assault. The victim is never at fault for a rape!
RAINN and MCADSV (the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence) have very comprehensive information pages regarding sexual assaults and the process of making a police report, pressing charges, and collecting evidence.
If RAINN or MCADSV does not have an answer to one of your questions or if you need local support, please feel free to contact us at 1-406-782-8511 with any questions or concerns. We treat all correspondence confidentially.
Information on Campus Safety:
Safe Space can help!
.Safe Space provides 24 hour on call trained rape advocates to victims of domestic violence sexual assault. Advocates are available for:
Hospital Exams
Police Interviews
Assistance in completing orders of protection
One-on-one peer counseling
Supportive services and referrals
Safe Space offers free counseling to survivors of sexual assault.
In addition, Safe space may be able to pay for up to six (6) sessions of counseling with a counselor outside of Safe Space for survivors of sexual assault. This can be a valuable tool for recovery. Please call our 24 hour crisis line at 406-782-8511 for further details.
Hospital Exams
Police Interviews
Assistance in completing orders of protection
One-on-one peer counseling
Supportive services and referrals
Safe Space offers free counseling to survivors of sexual assault.
In addition, Safe space may be able to pay for up to six (6) sessions of counseling with a counselor outside of Safe Space for survivors of sexual assault. This can be a valuable tool for recovery. Please call our 24 hour crisis line at 406-782-8511 for further details.
Sexual abuse of elders is REAL. Studies have found that only 1 in 24 of these cases are reported. For more information on sexual abuse of the elderly, visit www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/sexual-abuse-of-elderly-women/