What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is a criminal act of power. According to Wisconsin law, sexual assault is "any intentional act of sexual contact or sexual intercourse accomplished without the consent of one of the persons."Sexual Assault includes incest, rape, acquaintance and date rape, marital rape, child sexual assault, exposure, sexual harassment and voyeurism.
Sexual Assault is everyone's problem. It can happen to anyone, at any time, at any place.
Sexual Assault can happen to people of any age, sex, race, income level, sexual orientation or physical ability. The majority of sexual assault survivors are assaulted by someone they know.
Sexual Assault uses a threat of force, control, manipulation, violence, or sex as a weapon. It can be a physical or verbal act, which breaks a person's security and trust.
Sexual Assault may include incest. Incest is a betrayal of trust involving sexual activity between people who are related or are perceived to be related. This may include abuse, intercourse, verbal seduction, objectification, sodomy, direct or implied threats or touching.
What Services Does Family Advocates Sexual Assault Service Provide
- Family Advocates is a non-profit agency serving Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties. As advocates we are dedicated to helping assault/incest victims, survivors and their friends and families.
- Services are free and confidential
- 24-hour help line, counseling and advocacy by phone and in person
- Emergency shelter
- Emotional support
- Sexual assault/Incest support groups
- Information services and referrals
- Community education to schools and organizations
- Advocacy for court procedures
- Assistance in completing legal forms and Crime Victim Compensation applications
What Should I Do If I am Sexually Assaulted
Sexual assault is neither "asked for" nor deserved. "Giving in" to sexual activity is not the same as consenting. Do what you must to survive.
- Scream as loudly and deeply as you can. This may startle the attacker long enough for you to get away.
- Buy time with talk. Conversing will distract the attacker while you plan an escape.
- If you choose to defend yourself, attack and make it count. Choose your movement carefully; then, attack quickly and aggressively.
- Strike at the vulnerable areas. Go for the eyes, nose, throat, groin and knees.
- Try to remember as many details as possible about the attacker and the attack.
- Go immediately to a safe place. Try not to damage potential evidence. Do not bathe, wash, shower, douche,change or discard clothes. Seek medical attention.
- Strongly consider reporting the assault to the police. This should be done immediately so a medical evidence collection exam can be completed.
- Strongly consider making contact with Family Advocates' Sexual Assault Services. We can assist you with information, support, counseling, and advocacy whether or not you call the police. Any contact with an advocate is completely confidential.
What Can I Do To Help Someone I Know?
- Believe them. Listen. Allow for silent time.
- Reinforce the fact that you believe the assault/abuse was not their fault. Avoid "victim blaming" statements like, "What were you wearing?" or "Were you drinking?"
- Try not to be judgemental in your questions or interactions.
- Let them know that you are willing to listen, whenever they would like to talk.
- Provide options. Be patient.
- Ask permission before hugging or touching the survivor.
- Deal with what survivors want, not what you think they need.
- Ask about suicidal thoughts,
- If you don't have the proper information, say so.
- Share information about other resources available to survivors and their family or friends, for support and for other needs.
- Seek further information.