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What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a violent crime in which the assailant uses sex to inflict violence and humiliation on the victim, or to exert power and control over the victim.
Sexual assault can include several kinds of crimes: rape, incest, sexual harassment, child molestation, marital rape, exposure and voyeurism.
Generally, the offender takes advantage of some power imbalance, such as age, size, strength, development, knowledge, status, etc. to humiliate, violate and control the victim.
Common Reactions to Sexual Assault:
- emotional shock
- disbelief
- embarrassment
- shame
- guilt
- depression
- powerlessness
- disorientation
- denial
- fear
- anxiety
If You Are Raped:
- Go to a friend's house or somewhere you can get emotional support.
- Seek medical treatment. DO NOT douche, bathe, shower, eat or drink anything, or change clothes before you go.
- Report the rape to authorities (this does not mean that you have to agree to press charges).
- Seek counseling. Even if you don't report the rape or press charges, you should contact your nearest rape crisis center for information about counseling. Their services are free and confidential.
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