Sexual Assault

What is it?   Any type of sexual conduct or contact that is nonconsensual, forced or coerced, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent because of her/his temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity or because of her/his youth.

Sexual Assault is the use of any kind of sexual behavior as a weapon to harm an individual. Sexual assault includes: street harassment, sexual harassment, incest, stranger assault, and acquaintance rape. Some behaviors indicating sexual violence include: the use of physical force; coercion or verbal manipulation; verbal and/or visual harassment; use of drugs or alcohol to facilitate an assault.

Who are victims?
Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, class status, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or physical appearance. There is no particular time of day or place where sexual assault does not occur. There are things that we can do to reduce our risks of experiencing sexual assault, but the only person who can stop rape completely is the rapist. Rape is never the survivor’s fault. It is often easier to blame ourselves for our experiences of violence than it is to believe that we live in a world where someone would choose to harm us.

As a victim/survivor of sexual assault, you may have some of the following feelings...
• Anger
• Fear
• Guilt
• Loss of control
• Powerlessness
• Embarrassment
• Depression
• Isolation
• Denial
• Shame
• Disbelief
• Self-blame
• Emotional shock
You may experience some or all of the above feelings. This is natural and every victim/survivor of sexual assault responds differently.

Remember...

• There is no one "right" response to sexual violence.
• Sexual assault can be a life-threatening situation and whatever you did to survive was the right thing to do.
• Sexual assault can happen to anyone.
• Sexual violence is never the victim's fault.
• No one deserves to be assaulted.

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How to help a friend

Helping a sexual assault survivor can be an overwhelming experience. There are several things you can do to provide support during this person’s time of need. 

• Listen: Let survivors talk about their feelings and experience, without advising or asking too many questions—especially “why” questions.
• Believe: Assure survivors that you believe them. Many survivors are afraid to seek help for fear they will not be believed.
• Support: Do not make decisions for survivors. Allow them to decide what course of action to take next and support their decisions.
• Identify Resources: Help survivors identify any campus or community sources of support and information.
• Acknowledge your limitations:  Realistically identify your abilities to assist survivors. Seek assistance when you know you have reached your limits for helping.
• Take care of yourself: Assisting someone in need can be stressful. Set aside time for yourself and your daily responsibilities so that you don't feel overwhelmed by his or her problems.  Get help if you need it - you don’t have to know everything or “do it all."

If you are a victim of sexual assault…

• Try to get to a place where you feel safe.
• Reach out for support. Call someone you trust, like a friend or family member. You are not alone; there are people who can give you the support you need.
• A counselor/advocate is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and offer support, as well as to provide you with information and resources to help you best decide what to do next. All services are free and confidential. 360 385-5292.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Medical care is important to address any injuries you may have and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
• Most importantly, know that the assault is not your fault.

Do you want it to just go away and it won't? Are you not sure whether it was sexual assault? Do you know someone who was assaulted but you feel helpless to support them? Are you afraid of what will happen to you if you tell? Dove House can help you get through all those insecurities.

You have the right to…

• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Privacy. That means you can refuse to answer any questions about the sexual assault, your sexual orientation, your sexual history, your medical history (including HIV status) and your mental health history.
• Have your conversations with a sexual assault counselor/advocate remain confidential.
• Decide whether or not you want to report the assault to the police.
• Not be judged based on your race, age, class, gender or sexual orientation.
• Have a sexual assault counselor/advocate accompany you to medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings.
• Request that someone you are comfortable with stay with you in the examination room.
• Ask questions and get answers regarding any tests, exams, medications, treatments or police reports.
• Be considered a victim/survivor of sexual assault, regardless of the offender’s relationship to you.

If you are considering filing a police report…

• Try not to bathe, shower, change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke, gargle or urinate prior to the exam.
• Seek medical attention for an exam and evidence collection as soon as possible after the assault.
• Bring a change of clothes with you.
• You have the right to have a sexual assault counselor/advocate with you during your medical exam.
• Reporting to the police is your choice.

A trained sexual assault advocate can accompany you to the hospital and/or police station if you wish. The advocate is there to offer you support, answer your questions and help you through the process. An advocate can talk with you about your options, including decisions around reporting. The information you share with a sexual assault advocate is confidential.* Services are available regardless of whether or not you decide to report the incident to the police.

*Dove House staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters by law.
_In cases of child abue or neglect, a report must be made to DCFS
_In cases when a person makes homicidal or suicidal statements and/or threats, the target of the threat and law enforcement must be notified.
_In cases of elder abuse or neglect Washington Department of Aging must be notified.

24 HOUR CRISIS LINE
360 385-5291

All of our services are free and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, age, gender, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other bias prohibited by law.