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Sexual Assault Awareness

Newsletters for Mental Health
Laura Hartmann, Intern Counselor, MSOE Counseling Services
April 2008

If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault, contact Counseling Services at 277-7590 or contact the Sexual Assault Treatment Center immediately at (414) 219-5555 (available 24 hours a day).

For more information:

http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/sexual-assault/satc.asp

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/sexualassault.htm

http://www.wcasa.org/

http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/InjuryPrevention/SexualAssaultPrev/


The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Less than 5% of sexual assaults that occur on college campuses are reported. This newsletter is designed to raise awareness about sexual assault, define sexual assault, and provide information about the effects of sexual assault as well as guidance about what to do if you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault.

Facts about Sexual Assault:

  • Anyone, woman, man, or child, can be a victim of sexual assault.
  • Sexual assault is NOT caused by what the victim is wearing, where he or she  happens to be, or what he or she happens to be doing. It is always the responsibility of the assailant.
  • Sexual assault is a crime motivated by violence, anger and power. It is not an act of sexual desire.
  • 92.9% of all sexual assaults were perpetrated by someone known to the victim, and 56.9% took place in either the victim's or offender's home.
  • 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, and 1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18.
  • 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in his lifetime, and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18.

Important Definitions:

  • Sexual Assault-- Any physical contact of a sexual nature including sexual intercourse or sexual contact without voluntary consent. While associated with rape, sexual assault is much broader and the specifics may vary according to social, political or legal definition.
  • Consent -- The law defines the word "consent" as words or overt actions by a person indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact. People who have a mental illness or deficiency and people who are unconscious or physically unable to communicate are assumed to be incapable of consent, but that assumption can be challenged in court. Additionally, the law stipulates that an individual who is intoxicated is not in a position to give consent.
  • Sexual Contact -- The law defines sexual contact as any intentional touching of the intimate parts of a person, either directly or through clothing, by any body part or by any object, if that intentional touching is for the purpose of sexually degrading or humiliating the victim, or for the sexual arousal or gratification of the assailant, or if the intentional touching contains the elements of actual or attempted battery.
  • Sexual Intercourse -- The definition of sexual intercourse has been expanded to include an intrusion, however slight, into a person's genital or anal openings by any object or part of another person's body, or oral-genital contact. This intrusion may be caused by the direct act of the assailant or may occur as a result of an act by a victim who is obeying the assailant's instructions.

 

Universal Reactions to Sexual Assault:

  • Emotional Shock: Feeling numb, strangely calm, or without emotion
  • Disbelief/Denial: Wondering if it really happened or if it was all just a bad dream
  • Embarrassment: Fear of telling anyone; fear of what others will think
  • Shame: Feeling filthy, dirty, disgusting
  • Guilt: Taking the blame for what happened; assuming responsibility for it
  • Depression: Feeling tired and hopeless; thinking or dreaming about death or dying
  • Powerlessness: Wondering if things will ever be normal or under control again
  • Disorientation: Confusion; not knowing what is going on, what time it is, or where to be
  • Flashbacks: Re-living the assault; feeling like it's happening all over again.
  • Fear: Feeling afraid of everything; being alone, going out, diseases, nightmares
  • Anxiety: Panic attacks; shortness of breath, racing heartbeat
  • Anger: Hatred; desire to harm the attacker
  • Physical stress: Stomach pains; headaches; exhaustion
  • Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and loved ones

What to do if you are sexually assaulted:

  • Don't blame yourself.
  • Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
  • In Milwaukee, go to the Sexual Assault Treatment Center: go with a friend, contact Public Safety to escort you, or contact Counseling Services.
  • Do not rinse your mouth,smoke, brush your teeth or have anything to eat or drink until you have been seen by a nurse at the Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Evidence can be collected for up to 72 hours after the assault.
  • Do not wipe, bathe, wash, shower or douche until you have been seen by a nurse at the Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Even if you are unsure whether you will press charges, it is better to have a nurse collect any evidence while the option is available (within 72 hours of the assault).
  • If you think you may have been drugged, please save your urine in a clean container and bring with you to the treatment center as soon as possible (drugs may be found in urine).
  • Save all your clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Place each item in a paper bag. Place each item in a separate bag if possible. If items are wet you can place the paper bag(s) inside a plastic bag, but do not seal the plastic bag.
  • Save any sheets, blankets or towels you may have used or came in contact with during or after the assault. Again, place items in paper bags.
  • Consider reporting the assault to your local police department. This option will be presented to you at the Sexual Assault Treatment Center as well, but it is entirely up to you whether or not law enforcement will be contacted.

How to help a friend who has been sexually assaulted:

  • Help the victim get necessary medical attention and follow the steps listed above.
  • Believe the victim.
  • Help her/him to feel safe.
  • Assure the victim that they are not to blame for what happened.
  • Listen to your friend without judgment.
  • Be there and provide comfort.
  • Encourage her/him to seek professional counseling.
  • Be patient.
  • Accept her/his choice about what to do about the assault.
  • Make sure to get help and support for yourself, too!


MSOE Counseling Services creates monthly newsletters on mental health concerns and psychological issues. You can view the complete list of downloadable Counseling Services Newsletters.

MSOE Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Kern Center (K-230). To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (414) 277-7590 or visit the Counseling Services homepage.