Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a general term used to describe a range of sexual crimes including rape, incest, indecent assault and can involve someone threatening to hurt you, touch you in a sexual way without your consent or forcing you to take part in any sort of sexual activity against your will. Sexual assault is against the law. Sexual assault is a criminal offence whether the person who hurts you is someone you know or is a stranger.
If you are sexually assaulted you can complain to the police.If the police decide there is enough evidence they will charge the offender and the offender will be tried through the court system.
If you are 17 years or under, it is a criminal offence for a teacher, relative, carer or someone who is looking after you or who has some other kind of authority over you to touch you in a sexual way or have sexual intercourse with you, even if you agree to it.
Common Effects of Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault often experience a number of common effects. These may include:
· Flashbacks
· Nightmares
· Difficulty falling or staying asleep
· Anger and rage
· Difficulty concentrating
· Hypervigilence
· Anxiety and panic
· Self-blame, guilt, and shame
· Emotional numbing
· Physical symptoms and health problems
What to Do if Someone You Know is Sexually Assaulted
Believe them. A person has very little to gain by making up a story about sexual assault.
· Listen to them. A victim of sexual assault needs someone who will listen to what they have to say without blame or judgment.
· Do not tell them what to do. A person who has been sexually assaulted has had every ounce of power and control stripped from them. They only way they are going to gain that power back is by making decisions for themselves.
· Give them information, provide them options, but don't tell them what to do. A great place to get information is your local sexual assault center.