Understanding Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can include rape, incest, forcible and non-forcible fondling, and child molestation. Sexual assault is not a crime of passion or lovemaking. It is an act of power, control, anger, and violence. Survivors of sexual assault are not responsible for their assaults; the offender is.

Only about one in 10 rapes is reported to the police; some studies suggest that as many as one in four women will be raped in her lifetime. Men may also be victims of sexual assault; it is estimated that one in 10 men will be sexually assaulted in his lifetime.

Acquaintance and Date Rape

Acquaintance rape is a sexual assault crime committed by someone whom the victim knows. It is also called date rape if the crime happens on a date. Being forced into having sex - even if it's by someone you know - is still RAPE and it's a CRIME. Here are some facts:

Most sexual assaults are perpetrated by acquaintances of the victims, not strangers. According to a national study, 77 percent of rape survivors knew their attacker.

Most acquaintance rapes happen to women ages 16 to 24.

Alcohol is a contributing factor to sexual assault. According to the same study, in 50 percent of all acquaintance rape cases on college campuses, both parties had been drinking; in 75 percent of cases, at least one party had been drinking.

Miami's Sexual Assault Services and the Aquaintance Rape Resource Guide have additional information. The Coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programs (100 Health Services Center, 529-1870) can also be contacted for more information.

If It Happens to You

Immediately following a sexual assault, get emergency medical care. Your physical health should be your first priority. McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford has specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners. Victims will not be billed for services.

Report the assault to the police. Regardless of your immediate intentions to prosecute, reporting the incident to police is important because it provides for the collection of evidence and the documenting of facts while they are still fresh in your mind. Do not shower, wash, douche, or change your clothes, even though that may be your immediate reaction.

Seek support from both your friends and from people trained to help you. Call the 24-hour Butler County Rape Crisis Program at 523-4146 for confidential assistance, support, and referral. The Rape Crisis Program helps students understand and explore medical and legal options and can assist with the emotional aspects of the crime.

Learn more details on Miami's Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Programs, including reporting procedures and counseling resources.

If It Happens to Someone You Know

• Listen, do not judge.
• Give comfort. Let her know she's not to blame. Realize she may be dealing with fear, embarrassment, humiliation, and guilt.
• Encourage action. Help her call the police, contact a hotline, go to the hospital.
• Do not be overly protective. Encourage her to make decisions and take control as soon as she feels able.

Information for this article came from a number of sources, including the National Crime Prevention Council, the Ohio Coalition on Sexual Assault, Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, and the Ohio Department of Health.