Approximately
one-fourth (1/4) to one-third (1/3) of all women will be sexually
assaulted during their lifetime. Twenty to thirty percent (20-30%)
of men will be victims before they are eighteen. Only about 1
out of every 10 sexual assaults are ever reported to law enforcement.
(Sexual Assault Training Manual, Texas Office of the Attorney
General and Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, 2000.)
Current
or former spouses or intimate partners committed 17% of the sexual
assaults in 2000. 42% of sexual assaults were committed by someone
the victim identified as a friend or acquaintance. Only a third
of victims did not know their attacker. (Rennison, C. June 2001.
Criminal Victimization 2000: Changes 1999-2000 with Trends 1993-2000.
U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.)
Sexual
assault is about POWER and CONTROL- not sex. Offenders use sexualized
violence to overpower and control another person. Sexual assault
is a premeditated crime where 71% of offenders plan their assault
and deliberately choose their victim. (Sexual Assault Training
Manual, Texas Office of the Attorney General and Texas Association
Against Sexual Assault, 2000.)
Sexual
assault occurs: 40% in the victims home; 20% in the home of a
friend, relative or neighbor; 10% on the street; and 7% in a parking
lot or garage. (Texas Association Against Sexual Assault brochure.)
Teens 16
to 19 were three and one half times more likely than the general
population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
Adolescents ages 12 to 17 are more likely to be sexually assaulted
by young adults 18 to 24. Children under 12 are more likely to
be sexually assaulted by persons under age 18. (Bureau of Justice
Statistics. 1999. National Crime Victimization Survey. U.S. Department
of Justice.)
Prevention and Strategies
to Overcome
How Can I Avoid
Being Sexually Assaulted?
Nothing and no one can
guarantee that you will never be sexually assaulted. However, you
can reduce your risk of a sexual assault by:
Being aware
of your surroundings; looking around you and noticing the people
who are near or behind you
Being assertive;
walking confidently; letting people know when you are uncomfortable
with their proximity or actions
Keeping
your doors and windows locked, especially when you are home alone
Being sure
that you know who you are opening your door to; confirming the
identity of repair/sales persons
Taking
a self-defense course
Trusting
your instincts and recognizing risky situations
If You Are Sexually
Assaulted…
Know that it is not
your fault. You did not do anything to cause it, and you are not
to blame.
Seek emotional support
from a friend or relative with whom you feel comfortable
Go to the
nearest hospital. If you wish to pursue criminal action, DO NOT
douche, bathe, shower, eat or drink anything or change clothes
before you go.
Report the rape to
the authorities (this does not mean you must proceed with prosecution).
Call Bay Area Turning
Point for help. Even if you do not report the rape or press charges,
free and confidential services, including emergency accompaniment
and support, are available 24 Hours-a-day.
