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Sexual Assault and Rape Definition:
The definition of "sexual assault" includes rape, child sexual
abuse, incest and other sexual acts that are physical and non-consensual,
forced, manipulated, and/or coerced. Special acts of sexual
assault can take such forms as unwanted touching of one's intimate
parts, such as a sexual organ, buttocks or breasts; forced kissing;
or bodily penetration. Strictly speaking, such actions are illegal.
People under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are absolutely
incapable of giving sexual consent. Even if the person says
"yes", it is still rape if sexual activity continues while that
person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Do not
have sex with someone who is unable to give consent!
Acquaintance rape or "date" rape, in which the victim knows
her/his assailant, constitutes approximately 85% of reported
rapes. Nationally, about 90% of campus rape victims know their
attackers and 57 % of them are attacked by dates.
What to do if you believe you have been sexually assaulted?
It is very frightening, complicated and confusing when an individual
experiences sexual assault of any type. Here are some immediate
steps to take:
- Get to a safe place and call for help. Call 911, a friend,
campus security, BSU crisis line or an area rape crisis center.
- Get support. Call a friend to stay with you while you go
through your next steps.
- Resist the urge to shower or change clothes. Even if you
haven't decided whether or not to go to the police, you should
take steps to preserve evidence in case you do need it. Do not
shower or change clothes; in the case of oral sex, do not eat
or drink or rinse your mouth. If you must change clothes, put
what you were wearing into a paper bag...not plastic.
- Consider medical attention. Go to an emergency room where
you can be examined for injury and disease and medical evidence
can be collected.
- Do not let fear, shame or questions about "blame" for what happened
prevent you from taking any of the above actions.
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