Dating Violence Research Paper
http://www.wect.com/story/21628974/many-teens-afraid-to-intervene-in-sexual-assualt-survey-finds
Many teens afraid to intervene in sexual assault
Updated: Mar 13, 2013 12:00 PM PST v WEDNESDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- More than half of all teens and young adults in the United States know a victim of dating violence or sexual assault, according to a new national survey.
But 53 percent would find it difficult to intervene, and 40 percent wouldn't even know what to do if they witnessed such a crime, the poll found.
The survey "uncovers the grim reality of dating violence and sexual assault among 15 to 22 year olds, and the fact that so many are uncertain about the warning signs and do not know what to do to stop violence …show more content…
and assault," the organizers of a national effort to combat dating violence and sexual aggression said in a news release.
Called NO MORE, this undertaking "is designed to end the stigma and shame of domestic violence and sexual assault, drive new awareness and activate involvement," the organizers explained in the news release.
The March 13 launch of NO MORE coincides with the start Wednesday of a highly publicized rape trial in Steubenville, Ohio. Two high school football players are accused of raping a 16-year-old girl while other boys allegedly watched.
The survey of teens' and young adults' attitudes, funded by the Avon Foundation for Women, was conducted by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Some highlights follow:
36 percent of young men interviewed knew a victim of dating violence, and 25 percent knew a victim of sexual assault.
One in six young women said they were the victim of sexual assault, compared to one in 50 young men.
Asked about dating violence, 9 percent said they had hit their significant other. Young women were three times more likely to have done so than young men. However, the vast majority of young people said they would not be capable of this type of behavior.
37 percent of Hispanics perceived dating violence as a problem among their friends.
88 percent of blacks polled viewed dating violence as a societal problem.
Black young people have more discussions with their friends and parents about dating abuse and sexual violence than whites.
62 percent of young men and women said they would be willing to help if they witnessed dating violence or a sexual assault, but only 46 percent of males thought they would recognize such a crime.
One in three young women said they didn't know the signs of sexual assault.
One in three young people admitted fear of getting hurt physically could prevent them from intervening.
The organizers of NO MORE believe teaching young people about different forms of abuse and how to combat it can help prevent tragedies like the one in Ohio.
Many teens were unaware that dating abuse, for example, includes controlling behaviors, name-calling and stalking.
"Once abusive behaviors are more clearly defined and young men are educated to recognize abuse, it is likely they will intervene more often and more successfully," according to the study authors.
Major violence-prevention agencies and other organizations are uniting behind NO MORE. Like the pink breast cancer ribbon or the red AIDS ribbon, the NO MORE symbol is intended to boost awareness of the issue
http://www.marshall.edu/wpmu/wcenter/sexual-assault/types-of-sexual-assault/
Types of Sexual Assault
There are many different types of sexual assault. Below is a list of the various acts that are considered sexual assault and abuse, as well as a short description of some of the most common types of assault.
Sexual assault includes:
• Rape—sexual intercourse against a person’s …show more content…
will
• Forcible sodomy—anal or oral sex against a person’s will
• Forcible object penetration—penetrating someone’s vagina or anus or causing that person to penetrate her or himself, against that person’s will
• Marital rape
• Unwanted sexual touching
• Sexual contact with minors, whether consensual or not
• Incest (Sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion between family members.) • Any unwanted or coerced sexual contact
Other sexual crimes include:
• Sexual harassment
• Solicitation of minors through the Internet
• Possession of child pornography
What is ACQUAINTANCE rape?
Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know or trust forces you to have sexual intercourse. The rapist can be a friend, family member, neighbor, or a co-worker. Acquaintance rape can happen on a first date, at a party or when you have been going out for a long time. It can happen in any relationship, including:
Friends, classmates or co-workers
Boyfriends and girlfriends
Internet friends and contacts
Teachers and students
Coaches and athletes
Religious leaders and parishioners
Doctors and patients
Acquaintance rape is the most common type of sexual assault. Over 80 % of rapes are acquaintance rapes and more than 50 % of them happen on dates.
What is DRUG FACILITATED sexual assault?
This most often happens when you are at a party, club, or a social event and you are with people you know and don’t think you have any reason to fear. Someone secretly drops a drug such as roofies or ecstacy in your drink. When the drug dissolves, it is odorless. It may be colorless, or may leave a bluish colored residue, and it may also be tasteless. As you consume the drink, the drug takes effect. You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, loss of inhibition, impaired judgment and reduced levels of consciousness. You are incapacitated and cannot escape, resist or even call out for help. Often, these drugs cause amnesia, and you cannot remember what happened and who assaulted you.
‘Roofies’ are not the only drug used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Alcohol is in fact the most commonly used drug to facilitate the perpetration of sexual assault. Just as with roofies, alcohol impairs your judgment, lowers inhibitions, and affects consciousness. In the eyes of the law, you cannot consent to have sex when you are under the influence of alcohol.
What is CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?
Child sexual abuse is any sexual act with a child by a parent, an adult or someone who is older or more powerful than the child. It involves forcing, tricking, bribing, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual acts.
The abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional and includes such acts as sexual touching, exposing the child to pornography, taking pornographic pictures of the child, “peeping” at the child, exposing oneself to a child, and attempting/performing oral, anal, or vaginal penetration.
What is MARITAL RAPE?
Spousal or marital rape is the term used to describe sexual acts committed without a person’s consent and/or against a person’s will, when the perpetrator (attacker) is the woman’s husband or ex-husband (or a man’s wife or ex-wife). This type of rape is very underreported for a number of reasons; the women may fear the husband’s reaction, or she may fear the stigmatization and shame, as well as the potential loss of his or her children. For more insight into this type of rape, please refer to our section on relationship violence.
The importance of CONSENT!
Consent to any sexual activity is pivotal to the reduction and prevention of sexual assault and coersion.
Consent is a voluntary, sober, enthusiastic, informed, mutual, honest and verbal agreement. It is an active agreement and cannot be coerced. Consent is a process which must be asked for every step of the way; if you want to move to the next level of sexual intimacy, just ask! Consent is never implied and cannot be assumed, even in a relationship. Just because you are dating a person does not mean that you have natural permission to have sex with your partner. A PERSON WHO IS INTOXICATED CANNOT LEGALLY GIVE CONSENT. If you are too drunk to make decisions and communicate with your partner, you are too drunk to give consent. The absence of a “no” does not mean “yes”. Both people should be involved in the decision to have sex!
Communication, respect and honesty make sex and relationships better. Asking for and getting consent shows that you have respect for both yourself and your partner. Positive views on sex and sexuality are empowering. The idea of consent helps to question traditional views about gender and sexuality and asking for it eliminates the entitlement that one partner may feel over the other. Neither your body nor your sexuality belongs to anyone else but you! And it is normal and healthy for women to expect to be included in the consent process.
You should ask for consent before you act! It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to obtain clear consent. If you are unsure if consent is given, ASK! And keep asking; giving consent ahead of time does not waive a person’s right to change their mind or say no later.
Consent is not just about getting a yes or no answer, but about understanding what a partner is feeling. Ask open-ended questions, and listen to and respect your partner’s response, whether you hear yes or no: “Id’ really like to... how does that sound to you?” “How does this feel?” “What would you like to do?”
http://www.ohlone.edu/org/healthcenter/sexualassaultinfo.html#rape
Sexual Assault/Rape
Myth: Rape is just unwanted sex, and isn’t really a violent crime.
Fact: Rape is more than just unwanted sex. Rape is an act of violence because the rapist uses force as a motive for power and control. One out of every eight adult women has been a victim of forcible Rape. (National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992).
Ways to Prevent Sexual Violence—For Women & Men
Women
Be aware of your surroundings.
There is a higher chance of avoiding sexual assault just by being aware of what and who is around you. Being cautious and alert can only be to your benefit.
Know your sexual desires and limits.
Believe in your right to set those limits
Communicate your limits as clearly as possible.
If someone starts to offend you, tell him early and firmly. Being polite is O.K. , as long as you are firm and assertive. Say “no” when you mean “no” and be prepared to repeat it.
Dress comfortably.
Dress as you please. However, non-restrictive clothing could be an advantage. We don’t want to lead anyone to think that when a woman dresses provocatively she is giving permission to be sexually violated. Nobody asks to be sexually violated or raped, but to be aware that if someone ignores your limits and assertiveness, you want to be able to run and fight back if needed.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
* If you are walking alone, try to have a whistle with you. If you find yourself in danger, blow the whistle to attract attention for help (Ohlone Student Health Center provides whistles). Another item that may help you, if in danger is Chemical Mace, to spray in attackers eyes. Using items such as keys, pencils, pens, or books can also be used to defend yourself against an attacker.
Men
Know your sexual desires and limits, communicate them clearly.
Be aware of social pressures. There is nothing wrong with not scoring.
Being turned down when you ask for sex is not a rejection of you personally.
Women who say “No” to sex are not rejecting the person; they are expressing their desire to not participate in a single act. Your desires may be beyond your control but your actions are within your control.
Accept the woman’s decision.
“No” means “No”. Don’t read other meanings into the answer.
Don’t continue after “NO!”
Do not assume that just because a woman dresses in a sexy manner and flirts that she wants to have sexual intercourse.
Do not assume that previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation.
Nine Ways to Avoid Rape
Rape is not just an act committed in a dark alley by an unknown assailant. The truth is that most Rapes occur in the victim’s home. About 60% of victims who report their Rape know their assailants.
It is possible, however, to be aware without being afraid. Thinking and talking about the different types of sexual assault, and what you might do if you ever find yourself in a bad situation, can increase your chances of avoiding Rape.
Always walk briskly; look alert and confident, avoid carrying objects requiring us of both arms.
Stay away from isolated areas, day or night.
Never walk alone when it is dark.
If you are being followed, get away fast, change directions, and walk or run to a crowded area.
Lock all doors to your car and residence at all times.
Before you drive home, call your roommate, family or a friend so they will expect you and be aware if you are excessively late.
Encourage group activities in early stages of a relationship.
Take a self-defense class.
Be aware of legislation that concerns your gender and contact legislators to express your views.
What to do in a Risky Situation
Stay calm, consider your options and how safe it would be to resist.
Say “NO” strongly. Do not smile; do not act polite or friendly.
Say something like “Stop it. This is Rape!” This might shock the rapist into stopping.
If the rapist is unarmed, fight back physically, shout “NO!” and run away as soon as possible.
If the rapist is armed, try to talk him out of continuing the assault, or try passive resistance (pretend to faint/vomit/urinate).
What to do in Case of a Rape
Get to a safe place.
Call a friend or family member to be with you.
Breathe deeply and remind yourself that you are of value, and that what has happened is wrong and in no way your fault.
Call the police. A crime has been committed.
Do not bathe, douche or change clothes.
You may be destroying legal evidence, regardless of whether you pursue legal action or not.
Go to a hospital emergency department for medical care. This can be done without police intervention, if that is your choice.
Write down as much as you can remember about the circumstance of the assault and the identity of your assailant.
Seek the counseling and legal assistance from a rape treatment center. The counselor there can help you deal with the consequences of an assault.
Reporting the assault is a way of regaining your sense of personal power and control. It enables you to actively protest the violent crime that has been committed against you.
Reporting and prosecuting the assailant are essential in establishing new norms that this behavior is NOT okay. Taking legal steps helps prevent rape and protect other potential victims.
How to Help a Friend
Believe your friend. A few people are going to act as if you friend has lied or done something wrong. She/he will need your support.
Listen carefully and do not laugh. People often laugh if they are embarrassed or nervous.
Help your friend to report the rape to someone who can help - a counselor, school nurse, parent, child protective service worker, teacher, or police officer.
Let your friend know it is not her/his fault. People who have been touched inappropriately often feel that they have done something wrong.
Be confidential and protect your friend's privacy. Talk to a trusted adult if this situation is bothering you.
Be verbal in letting your friend know that you care and that you support her/him.
Dating Violence
Myth: Abuse means physically hurting someone.
Fact: Abuse does not only mean physically hurting someone. Abuse also includes hurting someone psychologically/emotionally, verbally or sexually. One in three teenagers experiences violence in a dating relationship. Dating violence is aggressive, abusive and controlling behavior.
A Few Warning Signs That Your Date May Have an Abusive Behavior
Possessive
Controlling
Bad tempered/easily angered
Isolates you from your friends or family
Blames others for his/her problems
Threatens force or violence
Uses force during arguments
Verbally abusive
Is Your Relationship Unhealthy? Ask Yourself These Questions
Are you afraid of your partner?
Does your partner choose who you hang out with?
Is your partner making decisions for you?
Does your partner humiliate you?
Has your partner’s jealousy limited your independence?
Has your partner ever kicked or punched or slapped you?
Are you afraid your partner may do these things?
Answering “yes” to these questions is a definite sign of an unhealthy relationship. (Provided by Network for Battered Women.)
Ways to Prevent Dating Violence
Consider double dates or being with a group when first going out.
When going out, let a friend or parent know when you will be back. Tell your date that you have done this so he/she will acknowledge someone is expecting you back at a certain time.
Be assertive and direct. Be able to be straightforward about what you want, like or dislike in a relationship. Having these goals or plans will help create a positive outlook on the relationship.
Help is Available
Remember that you are of importance and no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Turn to someone you can trust such as a teacher, family member, friend, counselor at psychological services, or a nurse at Health Services. These resources are here to specifically help you, so now it is your step to go there. If you decide to tell any of these members, they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to the police or child protective services.
(Numbers for these resources are located)
Or contact the Support Network for Battered Women’s 24-hour hotline (1-800-572-2782).
Help Someone Else
If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship:
Tell them you are worried.
Be a good listener.
Ask how you can help them seek help.
Many teens afraid to intervene in sexual assault
Updated: Mar 13, 2013 12:00 PM PST v WEDNESDAY, March 13 (HealthDay News) -- More than half of all teens and young adults in the United States know a victim of dating violence or sexual assault, according to a new national survey.
But 53 percent would find it difficult to intervene, and 40 percent wouldn't even know what to do if they witnessed such a crime, the poll found.
The survey "uncovers the grim reality of dating violence and sexual assault among 15 to 22 year olds, and the fact that so many are uncertain about the warning signs and do not know what to do to stop violence …show more content…
and assault," the organizers of a national effort to combat dating violence and sexual aggression said in a news release.
Called NO MORE, this undertaking "is designed to end the stigma and shame of domestic violence and sexual assault, drive new awareness and activate involvement," the organizers explained in the news release.
The March 13 launch of NO MORE coincides with the start Wednesday of a highly publicized rape trial in Steubenville, Ohio. Two high school football players are accused of raping a 16-year-old girl while other boys allegedly watched.
The survey of teens' and young adults' attitudes, funded by the Avon Foundation for Women, was conducted by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Some highlights follow:
36 percent of young men interviewed knew a victim of dating violence, and 25 percent knew a victim of sexual assault.
One in six young women said they were the victim of sexual assault, compared to one in 50 young men.
Asked about dating violence, 9 percent said they had hit their significant other. Young women were three times more likely to have done so than young men. However, the vast majority of young people said they would not be capable of this type of behavior.
37 percent of Hispanics perceived dating violence as a problem among their friends.
88 percent of blacks polled viewed dating violence as a societal problem.
Black young people have more discussions with their friends and parents about dating abuse and sexual violence than whites.
62 percent of young men and women said they would be willing to help if they witnessed dating violence or a sexual assault, but only 46 percent of males thought they would recognize such a crime.
One in three young women said they didn't know the signs of sexual assault.
One in three young people admitted fear of getting hurt physically could prevent them from intervening.
The organizers of NO MORE believe teaching young people about different forms of abuse and how to combat it can help prevent tragedies like the one in Ohio.
Many teens were unaware that dating abuse, for example, includes controlling behaviors, name-calling and stalking.
"Once abusive behaviors are more clearly defined and young men are educated to recognize abuse, it is likely they will intervene more often and more successfully," according to the study authors.
Major violence-prevention agencies and other organizations are uniting behind NO MORE. Like the pink breast cancer ribbon or the red AIDS ribbon, the NO MORE symbol is intended to boost awareness of the issue
http://www.marshall.edu/wpmu/wcenter/sexual-assault/types-of-sexual-assault/
Types of Sexual Assault
There are many different types of sexual assault. Below is a list of the various acts that are considered sexual assault and abuse, as well as a short description of some of the most common types of assault.
Sexual assault includes:
• Rape—sexual intercourse against a person’s …show more content…
will
• Forcible sodomy—anal or oral sex against a person’s will
• Forcible object penetration—penetrating someone’s vagina or anus or causing that person to penetrate her or himself, against that person’s will
• Marital rape
• Unwanted sexual touching
• Sexual contact with minors, whether consensual or not
• Incest (Sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion between family members.) • Any unwanted or coerced sexual contact
Other sexual crimes include:
• Sexual harassment
• Solicitation of minors through the Internet
• Possession of child pornography
What is ACQUAINTANCE rape?
Acquaintance rape occurs when someone you know or trust forces you to have sexual intercourse. The rapist can be a friend, family member, neighbor, or a co-worker. Acquaintance rape can happen on a first date, at a party or when you have been going out for a long time. It can happen in any relationship, including:
Friends, classmates or co-workers
Boyfriends and girlfriends
Internet friends and contacts
Teachers and students
Coaches and athletes
Religious leaders and parishioners
Doctors and patients
Acquaintance rape is the most common type of sexual assault. Over 80 % of rapes are acquaintance rapes and more than 50 % of them happen on dates.
What is DRUG FACILITATED sexual assault?
This most often happens when you are at a party, club, or a social event and you are with people you know and don’t think you have any reason to fear. Someone secretly drops a drug such as roofies or ecstacy in your drink. When the drug dissolves, it is odorless. It may be colorless, or may leave a bluish colored residue, and it may also be tasteless. As you consume the drink, the drug takes effect. You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, loss of inhibition, impaired judgment and reduced levels of consciousness. You are incapacitated and cannot escape, resist or even call out for help. Often, these drugs cause amnesia, and you cannot remember what happened and who assaulted you.
‘Roofies’ are not the only drug used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Alcohol is in fact the most commonly used drug to facilitate the perpetration of sexual assault. Just as with roofies, alcohol impairs your judgment, lowers inhibitions, and affects consciousness. In the eyes of the law, you cannot consent to have sex when you are under the influence of alcohol.
What is CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?
Child sexual abuse is any sexual act with a child by a parent, an adult or someone who is older or more powerful than the child. It involves forcing, tricking, bribing, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual acts.
The abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional and includes such acts as sexual touching, exposing the child to pornography, taking pornographic pictures of the child, “peeping” at the child, exposing oneself to a child, and attempting/performing oral, anal, or vaginal penetration.
What is MARITAL RAPE?
Spousal or marital rape is the term used to describe sexual acts committed without a person’s consent and/or against a person’s will, when the perpetrator (attacker) is the woman’s husband or ex-husband (or a man’s wife or ex-wife). This type of rape is very underreported for a number of reasons; the women may fear the husband’s reaction, or she may fear the stigmatization and shame, as well as the potential loss of his or her children. For more insight into this type of rape, please refer to our section on relationship violence.
The importance of CONSENT!
Consent to any sexual activity is pivotal to the reduction and prevention of sexual assault and coersion.
Consent is a voluntary, sober, enthusiastic, informed, mutual, honest and verbal agreement. It is an active agreement and cannot be coerced. Consent is a process which must be asked for every step of the way; if you want to move to the next level of sexual intimacy, just ask! Consent is never implied and cannot be assumed, even in a relationship. Just because you are dating a person does not mean that you have natural permission to have sex with your partner. A PERSON WHO IS INTOXICATED CANNOT LEGALLY GIVE CONSENT. If you are too drunk to make decisions and communicate with your partner, you are too drunk to give consent. The absence of a “no” does not mean “yes”. Both people should be involved in the decision to have sex!
Communication, respect and honesty make sex and relationships better. Asking for and getting consent shows that you have respect for both yourself and your partner. Positive views on sex and sexuality are empowering. The idea of consent helps to question traditional views about gender and sexuality and asking for it eliminates the entitlement that one partner may feel over the other. Neither your body nor your sexuality belongs to anyone else but you! And it is normal and healthy for women to expect to be included in the consent process.
You should ask for consent before you act! It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to obtain clear consent. If you are unsure if consent is given, ASK! And keep asking; giving consent ahead of time does not waive a person’s right to change their mind or say no later.
Consent is not just about getting a yes or no answer, but about understanding what a partner is feeling. Ask open-ended questions, and listen to and respect your partner’s response, whether you hear yes or no: “Id’ really like to... how does that sound to you?” “How does this feel?” “What would you like to do?”
http://www.ohlone.edu/org/healthcenter/sexualassaultinfo.html#rape
Sexual Assault/Rape
Myth: Rape is just unwanted sex, and isn’t really a violent crime.
Fact: Rape is more than just unwanted sex. Rape is an act of violence because the rapist uses force as a motive for power and control. One out of every eight adult women has been a victim of forcible Rape. (National Victim Center and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 1992).
Ways to Prevent Sexual Violence—For Women & Men
Women
Be aware of your surroundings.
There is a higher chance of avoiding sexual assault just by being aware of what and who is around you. Being cautious and alert can only be to your benefit.
Know your sexual desires and limits.
Believe in your right to set those limits
Communicate your limits as clearly as possible.
If someone starts to offend you, tell him early and firmly. Being polite is O.K. , as long as you are firm and assertive. Say “no” when you mean “no” and be prepared to repeat it.
Dress comfortably.
Dress as you please. However, non-restrictive clothing could be an advantage. We don’t want to lead anyone to think that when a woman dresses provocatively she is giving permission to be sexually violated. Nobody asks to be sexually violated or raped, but to be aware that if someone ignores your limits and assertiveness, you want to be able to run and fight back if needed.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking and effective communication.
* If you are walking alone, try to have a whistle with you. If you find yourself in danger, blow the whistle to attract attention for help (Ohlone Student Health Center provides whistles). Another item that may help you, if in danger is Chemical Mace, to spray in attackers eyes. Using items such as keys, pencils, pens, or books can also be used to defend yourself against an attacker.
Men
Know your sexual desires and limits, communicate them clearly.
Be aware of social pressures. There is nothing wrong with not scoring.
Being turned down when you ask for sex is not a rejection of you personally.
Women who say “No” to sex are not rejecting the person; they are expressing their desire to not participate in a single act. Your desires may be beyond your control but your actions are within your control.
Accept the woman’s decision.
“No” means “No”. Don’t read other meanings into the answer.
Don’t continue after “NO!”
Do not assume that just because a woman dresses in a sexy manner and flirts that she wants to have sexual intercourse.
Do not assume that previous permission for sexual contact applies to the current situation.
Nine Ways to Avoid Rape
Rape is not just an act committed in a dark alley by an unknown assailant. The truth is that most Rapes occur in the victim’s home. About 60% of victims who report their Rape know their assailants.
It is possible, however, to be aware without being afraid. Thinking and talking about the different types of sexual assault, and what you might do if you ever find yourself in a bad situation, can increase your chances of avoiding Rape.
Always walk briskly; look alert and confident, avoid carrying objects requiring us of both arms.
Stay away from isolated areas, day or night.
Never walk alone when it is dark.
If you are being followed, get away fast, change directions, and walk or run to a crowded area.
Lock all doors to your car and residence at all times.
Before you drive home, call your roommate, family or a friend so they will expect you and be aware if you are excessively late.
Encourage group activities in early stages of a relationship.
Take a self-defense class.
Be aware of legislation that concerns your gender and contact legislators to express your views.
What to do in a Risky Situation
Stay calm, consider your options and how safe it would be to resist.
Say “NO” strongly. Do not smile; do not act polite or friendly.
Say something like “Stop it. This is Rape!” This might shock the rapist into stopping.
If the rapist is unarmed, fight back physically, shout “NO!” and run away as soon as possible.
If the rapist is armed, try to talk him out of continuing the assault, or try passive resistance (pretend to faint/vomit/urinate).
What to do in Case of a Rape
Get to a safe place.
Call a friend or family member to be with you.
Breathe deeply and remind yourself that you are of value, and that what has happened is wrong and in no way your fault.
Call the police. A crime has been committed.
Do not bathe, douche or change clothes.
You may be destroying legal evidence, regardless of whether you pursue legal action or not.
Go to a hospital emergency department for medical care. This can be done without police intervention, if that is your choice.
Write down as much as you can remember about the circumstance of the assault and the identity of your assailant.
Seek the counseling and legal assistance from a rape treatment center. The counselor there can help you deal with the consequences of an assault.
Reporting the assault is a way of regaining your sense of personal power and control. It enables you to actively protest the violent crime that has been committed against you.
Reporting and prosecuting the assailant are essential in establishing new norms that this behavior is NOT okay. Taking legal steps helps prevent rape and protect other potential victims.
How to Help a Friend
Believe your friend. A few people are going to act as if you friend has lied or done something wrong. She/he will need your support.
Listen carefully and do not laugh. People often laugh if they are embarrassed or nervous.
Help your friend to report the rape to someone who can help - a counselor, school nurse, parent, child protective service worker, teacher, or police officer.
Let your friend know it is not her/his fault. People who have been touched inappropriately often feel that they have done something wrong.
Be confidential and protect your friend's privacy. Talk to a trusted adult if this situation is bothering you.
Be verbal in letting your friend know that you care and that you support her/him.
Dating Violence
Myth: Abuse means physically hurting someone.
Fact: Abuse does not only mean physically hurting someone. Abuse also includes hurting someone psychologically/emotionally, verbally or sexually. One in three teenagers experiences violence in a dating relationship. Dating violence is aggressive, abusive and controlling behavior.
A Few Warning Signs That Your Date May Have an Abusive Behavior
Possessive
Controlling
Bad tempered/easily angered
Isolates you from your friends or family
Blames others for his/her problems
Threatens force or violence
Uses force during arguments
Verbally abusive
Is Your Relationship Unhealthy? Ask Yourself These Questions
Are you afraid of your partner?
Does your partner choose who you hang out with?
Is your partner making decisions for you?
Does your partner humiliate you?
Has your partner’s jealousy limited your independence?
Has your partner ever kicked or punched or slapped you?
Are you afraid your partner may do these things?
Answering “yes” to these questions is a definite sign of an unhealthy relationship. (Provided by Network for Battered Women.)
Ways to Prevent Dating Violence
Consider double dates or being with a group when first going out.
When going out, let a friend or parent know when you will be back. Tell your date that you have done this so he/she will acknowledge someone is expecting you back at a certain time.
Be assertive and direct. Be able to be straightforward about what you want, like or dislike in a relationship. Having these goals or plans will help create a positive outlook on the relationship.
Help is Available
Remember that you are of importance and no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Turn to someone you can trust such as a teacher, family member, friend, counselor at psychological services, or a nurse at Health Services. These resources are here to specifically help you, so now it is your step to go there. If you decide to tell any of these members, they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to the police or child protective services.
(Numbers for these resources are located)
Or contact the Support Network for Battered Women’s 24-hour hotline (1-800-572-2782).
Help Someone Else
If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship:
Tell them you are worried.
Be a good listener.
Ask how you can help them seek help.