Despite our best precautions, many of us fall into situations where we are either sexually assaulted or physically and emotionally abused by somebody we know or love. Despite what many people think, 73% of all sexual assaults are perpetrated by somebody the victim knows. It can happen in romantic relationships to casual friendships. Sadly, one in six American women are victims of some form of sexual assault, as well as one in 33 men. Every two and half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. Common Reactions to Sexual Assault Include: Shock Fear Numbness Loss of control Disorientation Helplessness Sense of vulnerability Self-blame/guilt for "allowing" the crime to happen Feeling that these reactions are a sign of weakness It is normal to feel these reactions, and especially to blame oneself after the incident has occured. But have no doubts: whatever happened was not your fault, nor did you deserve it. The perpetrator is the one who hurt you, and is the one at fault. But how do you know if you've been sexually assaulted or physically and emotionally abused? Sexual contact that occurs without explicit consent of one of the participants is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a crime motivated by the need to control, humiliate, and harm. Anytime somebody hurts you physically, it is considered abuse. Abusers also act out by the need to control and punish their victims. Emotional abuse are any words or actions that are meant to cut you down, insult you, hurt you, or cause you any sort of mental distress or anguish. If you have any doubts about what happened, you were probably assaulted or abused. What can I do to reduce my risk of sexual assault? Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container. When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust. Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits. What should I do if I am sexually assaulted? Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support. Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the attacker. Call the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: If you live in our local area, call 701-293-7273; or if you live in Minnesota or North Dakota, call 1-800-344-7273. If you need help and don’t live in our service area, you can call 1-800-799-SAFE about domestic violence, or 1-800-FYI-CALL about sexual assault. Either number will refer you to someone in your area who can help you. Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy. To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you are worried about the cost of a rape kit exam, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center provides funds to cover the expense. If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab. Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need understand the process. REMEMBER THAT IT WASN'T YOUR FAULT. Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need. Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, there are resources that can help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later. Even if you've been physically and emotionally abused, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center is here to help. If you have doubts about whether or not you've been sexually assaulted or abused, the phones are staffed 24 hours a day to answer your questions and get rid of your doubts and fears. The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center is a non-profit organization that is here to assist you with any of your relational needs. There is somebody out there willing to help you through all of your difficult times. For more information about our organization, click here. Statistics provided by RAINN. Sponsored by the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead Crisis Phone: 701-293-7273 Fax: 701-293-9424 Email: crisis@raccfm.com

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