| |  What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual victimization of any person by strangers, acquaintances, relatives, spouses or dates. Rape is a crime of violence and power, not an act of sexual passion. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, any time. In fact, one in three women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. All of our services are free, confidential, and offered without regard to gender, race, creed, color, culture, language, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, income, veteran status, marital status, or any mental or physical disability. What should I do if I am sexually assaulted? - Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend stay with you for moral support.
- Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
- Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
- To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.
- If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
- Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need to understand the process.
- Remember it wasn't your fault.
- Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
- Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.
How can I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted? - Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.
- Encourage your friend to seriously consider reporting the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information your friend will need to make this decision.
- Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime.
- Let your friend know that professional help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, or call us at the numbers on the right. Encourage him or her to call the hotline, but realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.
What can I do to reduce my risk of sexual assault? - Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust.
- Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.
- Avoid going out alone at night whenever possible.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
- Be aware of your surroundings and your location. Don't look lost.
- If you are being followed, run to the nearest place where there are people. Do anything you can to attract attention: scream, yell, pound on doors.
- Keep your car in good working order, with adequate fuel.
- Don't hitchhike, ever. Don't pick up hitchhikers.
- Demand identification from all service people who want to come into your home.
- If a situation or action makes you uncomfortable say “no” and leave if it does not stop.
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