Sexual assault of an adult is any form of sexual contact without the consent of both parties. Sexual assault is an act of violence and power. Rapists use sex as a means to control, vent anger and humiliate their victims.

One out of three adult women are victims of rape; one in seven married women are sexually assaulted by their husbands. Adult men are increasingly reporting themselves as victims of sexual assault (one to six percent of all reported cases).

Even if a sexual assault victim shows no serious physical injury, adult and child sexual abuses are serious crimes with traumatic effects.

Victims of sexual assault have the right to have an advocate accompany them through medical, police, prosecutor and court proceedings/interviews. (RCW. 70.125.060)

If you are a victim of a violent crime, you have the right to apply for financial, medical and mental health benefits through the Washington Crime Victims Compensation Program.

If you are raped:

• Go to the hospital to check for injuries and test for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Preserve the evidence: Do not bathe, douche or change your physical appearance or clothing, or discard any items involved.
• Write down as much as you can remember about the assailant.
• Call 911 and make a police report.
• Contact the local DVSA Program for support and possible therapy referrals.

Sexual violence is a crime and a major social problem
that touches everyone.

Rape can affect the quality of life in a community by creating fear. Costs for investigation, arrest and prosecution are high.

Family members and friends suffer with the victims. Their relationships with the victim may change. Victims of rape/sexual abuse suffer physical pain and emotional trauma that may include:

• Loss of trust in people
• Low self-esteem and fear of men
• Depression

Rape victims may be any age. Everyone from young children to elderly women face the risk of rape. More than half of all reported rapes involve victims under 18.

Victims are from all economic backgrounds: rich, poor and middle class. An assault may happen at all times of the day; in all seasons; in all kinds of places; in cities, towns and rural areas; in a home, on the street, in a parking lot, office or school.

Any sexual contact with a child by an older person
is considered abuse. It is a crime.

Protect your child against sexual abuse by being in touch with your own intuition. When something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Trust your feelings. Don't be afraid of being embarrassed.

While it is important to teach your children about "stranger danger," it is even more important for children to understand that the people they know, trust and love may also try to take advantage of them. When children are abused, it will most frequently be by someone they know.

A sexual offender may be male or female. S/he will often "groom" a child and family before committing abusive acts. The grooming process includes relationships based on secrecy, special privileges, gifts, intimidation or dependency. If someone is paying an inordinate amount of attention to your child, ask why.

Child abuse can go undetected for long periods of time because offenders are often so masterful at manipulating everyone around them. If you are troubled by someone's behavior towards your child, call and discuss it with DVSA Program staff or trained volunteers. Children cannot be expected to protect themselves against abuse. Even if children are not physically harmed, they can be persuaded, coerced or frightened by offenders. The most important thing you can give your child is the security in knowing that you believe them and will protect them if they disclose abuse. It is never the child's fault if he or she is abused.

Protecting yourself against date rape
For many people, dating is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. But for some, dates end in disaster when they are sexually assaulted by their date.

The best defense against date rape is to trust your instincts. If you get a funny feeling about a person or situation, get to a safe place as soon as possible.

When dating someone new, it’s best to go out in a group the first few times. Paying half the cost of the date will prevent the idea that you "owe something." Dating is not a business deal. The use of drugs or alcohol may impair your ability to protect yourself. Be smart.

Warning signs
You are in an abusive relationship if your date/spouse/boyfriend:

• Acts jealous when you talk to others, even friends
• Pressures you to use drugs or alcohol
• Does not listen to what you want to do
• Controls your body in small ways, by holding you too tight or pulling you around by the hand, and ignoring you when you pull away
• Becomes angry easily or violent for any reason.