What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. There are many methods in which a person can become a victim of a sexual assault which include emotional persuasion (threats), physical persuasion (fists or weapons), and substance abuse situations (use of alcohol or drugs). Rape is a common form of sexual assault. Rape is not a crime of sex rather it is a crime of power and control over another person. 

Who is affected by sexual assaults?

Anyone can be a victim of rape! It doesn’t matter how old the victim is, what color his/her skin is, how wealthy or poor he/she is, or if the victim is male or female.

Is the Perpetrator someone hiding in a dark alley?

Very rarely is the perpetrator someone who is hiding in a dark alley.

How to seek help…

For You:  If you have been sexually assaulted please take the following steps immediately:

• Get away from the attacker and to a safe place immediately. Then call 911 or the police.

• Call a friend or family member you trust. You can also call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor. One hotline is The Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center 1-888-356-2006. Feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and shock are normal, but that is why it is important for you to get counseling from a trusted professional.

• Do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Do not change clothes if possible, that way the hospital staff can collect the evidence. Do not touch or change anything at the scene of the assault.

• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. You need to be examined, treated for any injuries, and screened for possible sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy. The doctor will collect evidence using a rape kit for fibers, hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing that the attacker may have left behind.

• You or the hospital staff can also call the police from the emergency room to file a report.

• Ask the hospital staff about possible support groups you can attend.

Know that if you have been sexually assaulted that it is not your fault.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. Help is available.

Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center

24 hour Crisis Line 1-888-356-2006

or Office Line 1-515-955-2273

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

 For Others:  If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted you can help them by listening to them, offering them support, and by comforting them. Go with her/him to the police, the hospital, or to counseling. Reinforce to that person that it is not their fault and it is natural to feel angry and ashamed. 

How can I protect myself from being sexually assaulted?

There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted. Follow these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.

• Be aware of your surroundings-who’s out there and what’s going on.
• Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear.
• Don’t let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.
• Be assertive- don’t let anyone violate your space.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave.
• Don’t prop open self-locking doors.
• Check your car before getting inside.
• Lock your door and your windows, even if you leave for just a few minutes.
• Watch your keys. Don’t lend them, leave them, or lose them. Don’t put your name and address on the key ring.
• Watch out for unwanted visitors. Know who is on the other side of the door before you open it.
• Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.
• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your routes. Stay in well traveled and lighted areas.
• Have your key ready to use before you reach your door-home, car and work.
• Park in well-lit areas and lock your car even if you will be gone only for a few minutes.
• Drive on well traveled streets with doors and windows locked.
• Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
• Keep your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank.

• In case of car trouble call for help on your cell phone. If you don’t have a cell phone, put the hood up, lock the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror saying, “Help. Call Police.”