Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can affect many lives in different ways. 

 

Sexual assaults occur in many different situations.

Yet, it is never the victim's fault that the assault happened. You may choose to leave your window open on a summer night, go for a walk alone, get drunk at a party, go home with someone you just met, or say no to your spouse, partner or date about sex. None of these actions gives anyone the right to violate you. However, many rape victims do blame themselves for different reasons. It is important to remember, just like any other crime, the offender is responsible and to blame. You did not cause this to happen by anything you did or said.

Everyone deserves to have support after a sexual assault.

You do not have to deal with this alone. There are many different resources available to help. Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services has trained staff and volunteers who can offer you support and information. We can also help you with legal, medical, social service and court advocacy if you request our assistance.

Survivors of sexual assault should be treated with respect when seeking help.

You have a right to be informed about your choices in medical care, the court system, your legal rights, and counseling options. With this information, you will be able to make the decisions that are best for you and your future.

A National Shame:

Somewhere in America, a woman is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1996, 307,000 women were the victim of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. [National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1997.]

Between 1995 and 1996, more than 670,000 women were the victim of rape attempted rape or sexual assault. [National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1997.]

Silent Victims:

One of the most startling aspects of sex crimes is how many go unreported. The most common reasons given by women for not reporting these crimes are the belief that it is a private or personal matter and that they fear reprisal from the assailant.

In 1996, only 31% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement officials - less than one in every three. [National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1997.]

Approximately 68% of rape victims knew their assailant. [Violence against Women. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994]

Approximately 28% of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances, and 5% by other relatives. [Violence against Women. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1994]

What You Can Do

 

Believe them. A person has very little to gain by making up a story about sexual assault. Listen to them. A victim of sexual assault needs someone who will listen to what they have to say without blame or judgment. Do not tell them what to do. A person who has been sexually assaulted has had every ounce of power and control stripped from them. The only way they are going to gain that power back is by making decisions for themselves. Give them information, provide them options, but don't tell them what to do.

What Should I Do If I Am Sexually Assaulted?

Call Skagit DV&SA Services’s hotline for free, confidential advocacy-based counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-726-6010. Remember that healing from rape takes awhile. Give yourself the time you need. Even if the attack happened years ago, you can still be helped. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or even years after the attack. Remember, it's never too late to call.

How can I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?

Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental. 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 Skagit DV&SA Services. Encourage him or her to call the 24-hour crisis-line, 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. Trust your instincts. Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.

What About Date Rape?

Date or Acquaintance rape describes a rape in which the victim and the perpetrator are known to each other. The perpetrator might be a dating partner, coworker, best friend or neighbor. 84% of rapes happen among people who know one another.

Males are socialized to equate success with sexual conquests, while females learn to equate success with physical attributes and compliance to males. This combination feeds the misconceptions that "no really means yes", "no means try harder", or that buying dinner means sex. It also helps to explain why it is very difficult for males and females to define forced sexual contact as rape.

National crime studies indicate that 10-16% of adult sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, while only 6% of teens report the crime. Teens who have been raped are much more likely to tell a peer. Teen survivors are hesitant to talk to anyone about the assault for a variety of reasons. They may not identify the act as a rape; they may not want the rapist to get into trouble; or, they may be embarrassed and blame themselves for what happened.