Sexual Assault & Misconduct

What can you do if you think you have been sexually assaulted?

Find a sexual violence advocate near you, like a rape crisis center. “Most sexual assault advocates have a certain level of privileged communication—they can keep the conversation confidential, even against a subpoena and this allows a survivor to really explore their options.” They can also set up evidence collection (like a rape kit) and contact law enforcement, if needed and you want to pursue your legal options. And, if you’re not exactly sure what to call the sexual violence you were the victim of, a counselor can help. This is a good option if the idea of going directly to the authorities is intimidating to you.

Psychopaths sexually harass for one reason—because they want to.

Narcissists find a way to justify sexual harassment— they do need you to think they’re powerful and worthy of admiration.

                                                                          Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D.
                                                                   Physchology Today 11.2017.

It’s actually harder to define than you’d think. According to the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.”

Rape:  A gleeful enthusiasm for exploitation, deception, and manipulation coupled with an indifferent blindness to the feelings of others, all wrapped up nicely with a bow of grandiosity.

                                                     Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D.
                                                               Physchology Today 11.2017.

 

It runs the gamut. States typically create these definitions with guidance from the Department of Justice. However, the details are crafted on a state level, often based on local cases that set a precedent for how sexual assault is phrased and determined.  Sexual assault is basically an umbrella term that includes sexual activities such as rape, fondling, and attempted rape.

The definitions can vary because of the way in which our laws are made, explains Rebecca O’Connor, vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the U.S.

 

#METOO

Need help?

If you or someone you know has been abused, used or taken advantage of see below.

“People are not objects - people are smart and they know when they have been sexually attacked, assaulted, used or abused.”

 

RAINN
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.    
www.rainn.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224
www.thehotline.org