As hard as it is to believe, sexual assault can happen to anyone. It is more common than we would like to believe. The FBI estimates that a rape occurs in the United States every two minutes. Some sexual abuse involves family members and can go on over a period of years. Some sexual abuse involves peers and may happen only once. There really are no "typical" cases. There really are no "typical" victims. It can happen to girls and to boys, old and young. The offenders can be someone the victim knows well, or only slightly. It's rarely a stanger.
People who have been sexually assaulted often want someone to talk to. They try to find someone to listen to and support them. They need someone they know and trust. Someone who will not blame them or turn away from them. They often tell a friend before telling anyone else.
Please take a minute to learn about how to protect yourself against sexual assault or help a friend who has been assaulted.
HELP A FRIEND
To show you are supportive, listen and believe your friend. Reassure your friend that she or he is not to blame. No matter what the situation, the offender is responsible for the assault.
REDUCE YOUR RISK
- Look out for friends. Share your class or work schedules. Make sure your friends and co-workers know how to reach your family.
- Stay in groups, especially at parties.Go together, keep an eye out for each other and leave together, even if one person wants to stay.
- Never be alone with someone you don't know or trust. If you find yourself in this situation, just say you have to look for a friend and leave. Know your surroundings.
- Let your family know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Don't ever leave your beverage unattended or accept an already-opened container from someone.
- Decide what your limits are and communicate them firmly and directly. If at any time you want to stop, say "stop" and say it forcefully, like you mean it. Be clear and firm, use body language as well as words.
- Trust your instincts. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason and your friends will respect it.
IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED
- Find a safe environment away from your attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you. Remember, it's not your fault you were attacked.
- Preserve evidence of the attack. Though you may want to, do not bathe or brush your teeth. Do not wash or get rid of any of the clothing that you were wearing. Write down as many details as you can remember.
- Report the assault as soon as possible. Call the police or tell a counselor, teacher, family member or clergy.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you're hurt, it's important to test for STD's and pregnancy. Ask the hospital to conduct a "rape kit exam." If you suspect you were drugged, collect a urine sample for analysis by a police lab.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-hope. The hotline, operated by RAINN, provides free, confidential counseling 24/7.
If your assault occurred in DeKalb County or you are a DeKalb County resident, call the DeKalb County Crisis Hotline at 404-377-1428.
RAINN Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network www.rainn.org or call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-hope.
End Violence Against Women (EVAW) International www.evawintl.org
Women's Resource Center to End Domesitc Violence www.wrcdv.org 404-688-9436
Georgia Crime Victim's Compensation Program www.cjcc.ga.gov
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