Rape (Sexual Assault)

• What is sexual assault?
• What do I do if I've been sexually assaulted (raped)?
• Where else can I go for help?
• How can I protect myself from being raped?
• How can I help someone who has been sexually assaulted (raped)?
• Where can I find more information about rape?

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including:

• inappropriate touching



• vaginal, anal, or oral penetration



• sexual intercourse that you say no to



• rape



• attempted rape



• child molestation

Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples of this are voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts), exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself in public), incest (sexual contact between family members), and sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations, by a stranger in an isolated place, on a date, or in the home by someone you know.

Rape is a common form of sexual assault. It is committed in many situations—on a date, by a friend or an acquaintance, or when you think you are alone. Educate yourself on "date rape" drugs. They can be slipped into a drink when a victim is not looking. Never leave your drink unattended—no matter where you are. Try to always be aware of your surroundings. Date rape drugs make a person unable to resist assault and can cause memory loss so the victim doesn't know what happened.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Read about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks), causes (war, traumatic events), effects (depression, suicide) and treatment (medication, therapy).
• Dissociative Identity Disorder - Read about dissociative identity disorder (formerly multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder) symptoms, signs, causes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
• Sexual Addiction - Get the facts on sex addiction, behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and thoughts of sex dominate a sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships.

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