Title: Rape & Sexual Assault Statistics, Definition & Help for Victims
Headings: Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape and Sexual Assault
Facts You Should Know About Rape (Sexual Assault)
What Is Sexual Assault?
SLIDESHOW
What Is Rape?
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Someone who Has Been Sexually Assaulted or Raped?
What Can I Do to Prevent Sexual Assault and Rape?
What Do I Do if Someone I Know or I Have Been Sexually Assaulted or Raped?
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What Are the Physical and Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault and Rape?
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Where Can I Get More Information About Sexual Assault and Rape?
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Content: If left untreated, the physical and psychological effects of sexual assault and rape can be devastating, sometimes even deadly. The primary consideration for caring for victims of rape or other sexual assault is to focus on the needs of the victim during this crisis, providing timely, appropriate medical, mental health, and legal assessment and care by specially trained and experienced professionals in a timely manner. What Is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is defined as any illegal sexual contact that involves forcing a person without their consent or inflicting such contact on someone who is unable to give consent due to their age or to physical or mental incapacities. Sexual assault may also involve sexual contact that is inflicted by someone who is trusted by or has authority over the victim. Incest is one example of childhood sexual abuse that is perpetrated by a trusted person who often has authority over the victim, as when a parent or sibling engages in such a violation on another family member. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual behavior that interferes with the victim's work or school life. It does not include behaviors that are wanted or welcome, like desired flirting, kissing, or touching. Unfortunately, sexual assault and sexual harassment take place in a variety of settings. The most common site where young women report sexual harassment is at school, including on college campuses.