24-Hour Crisis Line 503-397-6161
or Toll Free @ 1-866-397-6161
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is a touch or act that is sexual in content and is used for the gratification of the perpetuator by force, threat of force, trickery, coercion, bribery, or between two people where an imbalance exists in age, size, power, development or knowledge.
Sexual assault is a deliberate. hostile, and sometimes violent act of aggression that uses sex as a weapon. It is a crime of power, intended to degrade, intimidate, and to overpower.
Victims of sexual assault are often uncertain about what they should do. They may be afraid or embarrassed to talk to anyone about their circumstances. In more than half of reported cases, the victim and rapist are friends, acquaintances, or relatives. This can make discussion of the assault even more difficult for the victim.
Most rapists are repeat offenders. A victim can help prevent further assaults by reporting the incident to the police. The Women's Resource Center can provide a trained advocate who can discuss options and give information with the victim as she decides whether or not she wants to report the assault. If the crime is reported, then the woman will be eligible for related medical care and counseling through Crime Victim's Assistance.
If you are sexually assaulted
Call the Women's Resource Center at 503-397-6161. There is a trained sexual assault advocate and/or volunteers available to accompany you to the hospital, police station, and through the legal proceedings, if you want one. We also offer assistance to family and friends of victims.
If you are going to report the assault, call the police (911) as soon as possible.
To preserve evidence, do not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes. If you do change your clothing, place each article into its own brown paper bag and then take them to the hospital with you.
Seek medical attention promptly to determine possible injury, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted disease. Ask to have a rape exam performed.
Express your feelings-talk to someone with whom you are comfortable.
Sexual Assault: Myths & Facts
Myth: Victims who wear seductive clothing are asking to be sexually assaulted.
Fact: No person wants to be forced into engaging in sexual activities-no matter how s/he is dressed.
Myth: Victims secretly want to be sexually assaulted. and victims who say " no" really mean "yes."
Fact: Rape is a crime. No person wants the pain, injury and/or violence involved in sexual assault. The word "no" means " no" and should not be interpreted any other way.
Myth: Rapists are impulsive and cannot control their desires.
Fact: Most sexual assaults are planned. (This myth robs abusers of taking responsibility for their own actions).
Myth: Most victims are sexually assaulted by strangers.
Fact: A majority of sexual assaults are committed by people the victims know.
Myth: I am dating or married to this person, so it is not rape/sexual assault.
Fact: Any forced or unwanted sexual act is a crime, regardless of the relationship of the perpetrator.
Sexual Assault Statistics
Every 2 minutes a woman is raped in the United States. (Department of Justice).
U.S. Department of Justice estimates that only 26% of all rapes are reported to the police.
Sexual assault occurs in all race, class, ethnic, age, religious, and economic groups.
1 in 3 girls and I in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time she/he is 18 years of age.
Approximately 68% of all rapes/sexual assaults are committed by friends, family, partners; and only 32% are committed by strangers. (National Victim Center & Crime Victims Research, 1995)
84& of rape survivors are less than 25 years old; 32% were between 11 and 17 years of age; 22% were between 18-24 years of age. It can happen to anyone, of any age. (National Victim Center & Crime Victims Research, 1995)
Rape/sexual assault is a crime; Prosecutable under Measure 11, meaning set sentences, with NO probation! NO parole! and NO early releases!! Rape I = 8 years; Rape II = 6+ years; Sexual Assault = 6+ years.
Effects of- and reactions to- sexual Assault:
Low self-esteem
Guilt/Shame
Anger
Eating disorders
Self-destructive behaviors
Trust issues0
Relationship difficulties
Fear
Suicidal ideation
Feeling powerless
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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