WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Sexual assault occurs when one is forced into sexual contact or sexual acts against
her or his will. It has many different names. Those names include:
- Rape
- Date/Acquaintance Rape
- Sexual Abuse
- Molestation
- Forced Sodomy
- Incest
THE FACTS
- Rape is the most under-reported crime in America.
- Rape is a brutal and violent crime.
- Approximately 84% of victims know their attacker.
- Rape is not about sex. It is about power and control.
- Rape is never the victim’s fault.
- Rape is a crime.
TEENS AND DATING
In the wake of the brutal murder of University of Virginia student Yeardley Love,
educators, parents, and teen dating abuse and domestic violence organizations are
rallying to address the serious and escalating issue of safe dating in order to
prevent such a tragic event from occurring again. According to a recent survey conducted
by Liz Claiborne Inc. and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, nearly 1 in 3 teenagers
who have been in a relationship report actual sexual abuse, physical abuse, or threats
of physical abuse. These are very alarming statistics and as William L. McComb,
CEO of Liz Claiborne Inc. phrases it – a ticking time bomb. Please
click here to check out his thoughts on the issue.
Dating Violence:
Most relationships begin with courtesy and respect. But over time you might notice
changes in your partner. He may want you to spend time only with him. She may page
you repeatedly and want to know where you are and who you are with. These could
be warning signs of dating violence. Some other warning signs include a boyfriend
or girlfriend who:
- Tells you who you can and cannot see.
- Gets upset when you spend time with other friends or family.
- Puts you down in front of friends and others.
- Gets upset when you are late or break a date.
- Pressures you to have sex.
- Pressures you to use drugs or alcohol.
- Grabs, chokes, hits, or pushes you.
- Wants to know the details of where you have been, who you have been with, and what you have been doing.
- Gets angry very easily and becomes violent.
- Threatens to do something terrible if you break up.
- Destroys your property to get even.
- Refuses to accept a breakup.
- Begs for forgiveness after hurting you and promises never to do it again.
How to Help a Friend: Would you know if a friend were in an unhealthy relationship
and at risk? People who are experiencing dating violence often:
- Apologize or make excuses for their partners.
- Cover up or make excuses for injuries caused by their partners.
- No longer enjoy doing activities that they previously enjoyed because their partners say they should spend more time with them.
- Cry frequently or feel sad or anxious.
- Become more secretive.
- Lose confidence in themselves and their abilities.
If you or your friend are a victim of dating violence please observe the following
helpful hints:
- Tell your friend that you are worried about them. Give specific examples of incidents you witnessed and how they made you feel.
- Don't be judgmental or make your friend feel ashamed. Be supportive.
- Let your friend know you are available to talk and keep what is said confidential.
- Encourage your friend to get help.
- Help them help themselves! Make arrangements for them to meet with a trusted adult or counselor.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Learn more about sexual assault by inviting someone from NACC to speak at
your school, church, civic group, or business.
- Volunteer your time and skills.
- Make sexual violence and harassment unacceptable in your life.
- If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, encourage him or her to
help.
- Write to your legislators and encourage them to create laws designed to
support crisis centers and protect the public from sexual predators.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Anyone can be a victim of this terrible crime. Sexual Assault crimes are occurring
in your county everyday!