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Serving crime victims in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Redwood Counties of Southwest Minnesota since 1981.
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Sexual
Assault "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." -Helen Keller Sexual assault is when a person is forced or coerced, physically or verbally, into any type of unwanted sexual contact with another person. The perpetrator could be a stranger, an acquaintance, a date, a spouse or an intimate partner. Often sexual assault is not about sex. It is about power and control over another person. Anyone can be sexually assaulted: women, men, elderly, teens, and children. · Every Day in Minnesota 7 people are raped and 11 other people are victims of a sexual offense. Source: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs. · In the United States every minute there are 1.3 forcible rapes of adult women. Source: Koss & Oros (1982). · Approximately 92,700 men are raped each year in the U.S. Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. · In the United States every 6 minutes, one rape is reported. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigations (1997). 
Forms of Sexual Assault Stranger Rape: Approximately 10 % of sexual assaults are committed by strangers. These attacks tend to be the most violent and are the type most reported to law enforcement.
Date Rape: This type of sexual assault is committed by someone the victim knows and is actually on a date with. They may even be dating on a regular basis and may have been sexually involved before the assault.
Acquaintance Rape: An acquaintance is someone you know casually or have seen before such as: a neighbor, co-worker, friend of a friend, or perhaps someone you met at a party or a bar. In 90% of college cases, the offender is known to the victim, usually a classmate, friend, or acquaintance. (Fisher, Bonnie, Francis Cullen, Michael Turner. The Sexual Victimization of College Women. Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 2000.) . Date and acquaintance types of sexual assault are the least reported to law enforcement.
Marital/Intimate Partner Rape: This is sexual assault perpetrated by one's spouse or partner. Even in a marriage or long term committed relationship, sexual activity is a choice not an obligation. There are different degrees of illegal sexual activity. They include sexual harassment, unwanted touching over or under clothing, voyeurism (i.e. peeping toms), being forced to watch or participate in pornography, forced prostitution, exhibitionism and rape. The term ‘rape’ is used most often used to describe any form of forced sexual penetration: anal, oral, or vaginal.
What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Possible Aftereffects of Sexual Assault Guilt: One may experience feelings of shame and guilt. Sexual assault victims often feel responsible for the assault, possibly because of errors in judgment, drug use or alcohol consumption or the feeling that they deserved to be raped. Loss of Control: Choices and control have been taken from assault victims. These feelings of loss of control may persist for a period of time following the assault. The correlation between addictions and sexual assault/abuse is high--it can be an attempt to regain control or suppress the memories. Loss of Trust: If someone is sexually assaulted, particularly by someone they know, their trust has been broken. Victims often struggle with trusting others such as dates, acquaintances, spouses/partners, and even their own judgment. Regaining trust is a process and takes time. Loss of Self Esteem: One may experience a lowering of self worth---a belief that they do not deserve a loving, caring relationship. Loss of Positive Body Image: A sexual assault victim may have a skewed image of their body. This, combined with the trust, shame, and control issues, can lead to problems with healthy sexuality and intimate relationships. Denial: “I don’t believe this happened to me. It seems so unreal maybe I’ll wake up and find out that I dreamed the whole thing.” Self-blame: “It’s all my fault for leaving with him in the first place. I was so stupid to go out drinking. This never would have happened if I had stayed at home.” Confusion: “What did I do to deserve this?” “Why me?” Shame: “I feel so dirty and violated.” Anger: “I want the assailant to rot in jail.” Helplessness: “I don’t know what to do.” Fear: “I don’t feel safe anywhere.” Concern for the assailant: “The assailant needs help.” Remember- All victims react differently!
What if you know someone who has been a victim of sexual assault? Common reactions of family & friends: • Shock • Sadness • Anger • Guilt • Helplessness • A desire for vindication How can you help? • Believe the survivor • Listen without giving advice • Provide options and resources • Encourage the survivor to seek assistance without appearing pushy • Respect the survivor’s confidentiality • Do not ask questions regarding the details of the assault • Avoid victim-blaming and judgmental comments • Remember that nothing the survivor said or did excuses the assault
If you are in a relationship with someone who has been sexually assaulted or abused: • Gently ask your partner about their comfort level with sexual intimacy. Sometimes sexual acts associated with the assault can trigger flashbacks. • Many survivors of a recent assault are temporarily frightened of sexual relations. • Communicate, even if you feel awkward bringing up the subject.
What is Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault? Alcohol: Alcohol is the most commonly used drug to facilitate sexual assaults. In a high percentage of date and acquaintance rapes the victim, perpetrator or both are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Using alcohol lowers your inhibitions, causes you to take risks you might otherwise not take, renders you weaker and physically vulnerable, and creates situations that allow a rapist an easy target. In other words drinking, particularly to excess, increases your chances of being sexually assaulted. Rohypnol and GHB: These drugs are being used more frequently to sedate victims in order to sexually assault them. Commonly referred to as "date rape drugs", Rohypnol and GHB can be given to victims without their knowledge and can prevent them from resisting sexual assaults. The drugs create an amnesia-effect so that the victims are uncertain as to what---if anything---occurred. When digested, Rohypnol begins to affect the victim within 30 minutes. The results peak after two hours but can last for over eight hours. Psychomotor slowing, muscle relaxation, lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, and amnesia all may occur. Urine tests can determine the presence of Rohypnol in the body for 60-72 hours. GHB begins to affect the individual within 15 minutes of consumption and last for three to six hours. As a depressant, it may slow heart rates, cause respiratory depression, and cause unconsciousness and comas. GHB can be detected in urine for 12 hours. If you think you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted with the aid of a date rape drug be sure to give that information to both law enforcement and medical staff.
Our services
are free of charge and confidential.
Sexual Assault Resources
Men Can Stop Rape
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Sexual Violence Prevention Network (SVPN) www.health.state.mn.us/injury/topic/svp/network/index.cfm
Office For Victims of Crime (OVC)
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