Tag Archives: sexual assault

General Safety Issues

TACTICS TO AVOID SEXUAL ABUSE

Although it is a subject that no one wants to discuss, we need to do all we can to help persons know how to protect themselves from sexual assault.  The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to consider that this problem is one that is committed all too often.  Many times, assault victims don’t report it, because they become the one that is blamed for the act, rather than the perpetrator.  Rape, or sexual assault, is a violent crime, not a sexual act.

Listed below are good tips from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  Please consider these ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim: 

  • On Dates:  If you are on a first date with someone, and you don’t really know much about that person, meet in a public place, arriving and leaving separately.  If a situation makes you uncomfortable, speak up.  Don’t isolate yourself with someone you don’t know or trust.  Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right, or you feel pressured, listen to yourself.  Once you say “No”, it becomes a crime if an assault takes place.
  • At Home: Have a door viewer and a dead bolt lock on your front door.  Never hide a key over a door or other obvious places.  Be cautious about revealing personal information over the phone or internet.  Keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.  Never admit strangers or unwanted contacts to your home under any circumstances.
  • In the Car:  Always lock your car when leaving and entering it.  Look in the back seat before entering your car.  Have your cell phone with you at all times.  Lock yourself in the car if you have car trouble, call for help, and wait for assistance to arrive.  If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest public place and blow your horn.  If a police station or hospital is nearby, go there.
  • At Parties:  Go with friends and stay with your group.  Watch out for each other and leave together.  Never leave a beverage unattended.  Overuse of alcohol or drugs can decrease your awareness and make you vulnerable.  No matter how persuasive or attractive a stranger may be, never leave with that person.
  • On the Street:  Don’t walk close to alleyways and bushes.  Wear sensible clothing and shoes, which will allow you to maneuver or run.  Stay alert and aware.  If you walk or jog, take alternate routes or time on the street.  Predictable behavior is risky.  Keep your cell phone in your pocket. 

Other statistics pertaining to this topic, are the ones regarding Child Sexual Assault.  Between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of assailants are known to the family, or are family members.  Parents should know that young children do not make up stories about a subject as serious as this.  Children are never responsible for these assaults made against them; however, most children are afraid to tell their parents.  Children can be taught to use their own resources to protect themselves, such as kicking, yelling, running, getting help, etc.  The key is that they know to whom they can turn for immediate and unquestioning help.  Schools may do some instruction to children on ways to protect themselves. 

Again, we can’t turn our backs on subjects that are not pleasant to discuss.  Counselors encourage people to spread the word about ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It can happen to children, adults, seniors, any one, any age.  The National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7, offering free confidential services.

General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

Designated by the National Sexual Violence and Research Center as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, April represents a very serious subject of concern to everyone.  Serving as the nation’s principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence, the National Sexual Violence Research Center provides national leadership, technical assistance, and consultation by generating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding unique prevention campaigns that engage bystanders to get involved and to help reduce sexual assault, and the Department of Education is working to combat sexual violence at schools and universities.  Any public or private school, college or university that receive Federal funds must comply with Title IX.  Title IX of the Educational Amendment  of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education and activities. 

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, and should not be tolerated.  It happens in the workplace, at school, in public places, and is against the law, and can lead to more violent acts.  “It’s Time….To Get Involved” is a campaign by the CDC and NSVRC that educates potential witnesses in safe and positive ways they can act to prevent or intervene when there is a risk for sexual violence.  This program teaches how to stop situations that could possibly lead to sexual assault.  Also, it gives individuals the skills to be an effective and supportive ally to survivors after an assault has taken place.  Research shows that this technique is a promising way to help prevent the widespread problem of sexual violence across campuses and other communities. 

Here are five steps toward taking action:

  1. Notice the event along a range of actions;
  2. Consider whether the situation demands your action;
  3. Decide if you have the responsibility to act;
  4. Choose what form of assistance to use;
  5. Understand how to implement the choice safely. 

One victim of sexual assault, whether it is a child or an adult, is too many.  In the case of children, parents should watch for signs that something is not quite right.  Many victims are afraid or ashamed to speak out, but they must, in order for perpetrator to be stopped before there are more who fall prey to them.  We all have an important role in changing community knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.  

Social marketing campaigns or outreach campaigns use the bystander approach to preventing dating and sexual violence.  Two such campaigns are:  Know Your Power Campaign – www.know-your-power.org and The Red Flag campaign – www.theredflagcampaign.org).

Programs that have been evaluated and found to be effective in changing attitudes or behaviors are listed:

  • Bringing in the Bystander, which teaches college students appropriate and safe ways to intervene before, during and after a sexual assault.
  • Men’s Program/1 in 4: focuses on building empathy with college men.
  • Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP): focuses on student leaders and athletes in high school and college about men’s role in gender violence prevention, which uses sports metaphors and framework.
  • MyStrength Club: provides a multi-session club for high school boys, providing them a place where they can explore ways to help prevent sexual violence. 

We must remember that every victim of sexual assault is someone’s daughter, sister, mom, grandmother, son, nephew, or friend.   Take part in educating others about this devastating act that occurs in all realms of society.   Get involved and you may protect someone from a terrible situation. 

Source: NSVRC.org