How Big Of A Problem Is Sexual Assault For Our Young People?
by Kimberly McVinney, Project Crossroads Advocate

Sexual assault crimes are committed overwhelmingly against young girls and adolescent woman. High school and college aged woman are most vulnerable for date or acquaintance rape.

Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. Physical and sexual dating violence against adolescent girls is associated with increased risk of substance use, unhealthy weight control behaviors, sexual risk behaviors, pregnancy, and suicidality. (“Dating Violence Against Adolescent Girls” Journal of American Medical Association, vol. 286, no.5). 
                            
What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is a broad term that covers crimes such as rape and forced sexual intercourse. It also includes unwanted touching, fondling, or groping of sexual body parts. Sexual assault crimes may also include internet/technology based crimes, sexual harassment, trafficking and sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and dating violence. It can be committed by the use of threats, force, pressuring a victim, or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent. 

Sexual abuse in an intimate relationship can be very confusing. The victim may have consented to be with this person sexually in the past; therefore, she or he may feel that they have to agree to everything their partner wants. In a healthy relationship, a person's sexual boundaries are always respected. Rape or sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. 

A Silent Problem 
According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), one of the most stunning aspects of sexual assault crimes is how many go unreported. Sexual abuse has been termed the “silent problem” because victims are often afraid to speak out. The most common reason given by victims for not reporting is the belief that it is a private or personal matter and they fear retaliation.

Victims of sexual abuse often experience feelings of shame, guilt, isolation, powerlessness, embarrassment, and inadequacy. They may even accept responsibility for the abuse by blaming themselves. 

What should you do if you or someone you know is sexually assaulted?

Domestic violence and physical abuse may also occur in a sexually abusive relationship.  Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that can include physical, emotional, and/or psychological abuse in a relationship in order to maintain power and control.

Some examples of physical abuse are hitting, pushing, and restraining a victim. Emotional and psychological abuse may surface in the form of frequent yelling, name calling, public humiliation, destruction of personal property, threatening family members or pets, financial exploitation, and isolation from friends and family. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Take time to have an open discussion with a teen in your life about safety issues, healthy relationships, and self-esteem.   You might want to focus on one topic that affects or interests your teens, such as sexual harassment or dating violence. This may help them to make important relationship decisions on their own.

Explain to your teen that sexual abuse and dating violence violates a person’s trust and respect, and threatens his or her safety. Discuss rape, date/acquaintance rape, sexually transmitted disease, and unintended pregnancy. Tell them that everyone has the right to be safe, the right to express his or her own opinion, and the right to be respected. 

Share the following tips with your teen or young adult: there is safety in numbers, walk in the light, be aware of your surroundings, be assertive, don’t let anyone violate your space, and stay away from places or activities that may put you at risk. 

Other things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted are to park in well-lit areas, lock your doors and windows even if you leave for a minute, trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, never leave your drink unattended to avoid possible “date rape” drugs, and know basic self-defense.

Educating our young people about prevention and intervention strategies is our best weapon.   For more information on sexual abuse, dating or intimate partner violence, call Project Crossroads at 716/483-7718, Family Service of the Chautauqua Region at 716/488-1971, or the Chautauqua County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800/252-8748  or 716/661-3897.