Sexual Assault
1 in 5 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
Sexual Assault happens when any kind of sexual contact or sexual act is committed without consent or the ability to give consent. While we often associate sexual assault with sex, it can occur in a variety of other ways.
Examples of Sexual Assault:
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Rape: forced sex (penetrative and/or oral)
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Attempted Rape
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Flashing
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Unwanted fondling or touching (i.e. molestation)
Myths vs Realities of Sexual Assault:
Hover over the following misconceptions to reveal the true realities of sexual assault.
PERPETRATORS ARE STRANGERS
80% of survivors knew their assaulter before the assault occurred.
ABUSERS ABUSE ONE TIME
91 - 95% of sexual assaults are committed by repeat offenders. The greatest predictor of abusing is engaging in a past act of abuse.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, BEING ABUSED AS A CHILD, AND/OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAN CAUSE SOMEONE TO BECOME AN ASSAULTER.
Abuse is a choice. Alcohol, drugs, anger, mental health, and past abuse are often used as excuses. The majority of those who struggle with mental health and/or substance use are not abusive. Abusers can control their anger by abusing only certain people at certain times.
Want to know what to do in case a sexual assault happens? Or know a friend who may have been in an abusive relationship? Click here to learn about bystander intervention.
Check out our educational video series from Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
What you can do if you think you've experienced a sexual assault:
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Talk to a trusted family member or friend.
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Call an advocate (like the ones at Helping Hands)! We're available 24/7 and are confidential. We can help you create a safety plan, navigate your options, and support you.
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Create a safety plan, especially if you anticipate running into your assaulter at a later date.
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Consider getting a rape kit completed within 72 hours of your assault to preserve evidence.
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If you are on a college campus, contact your Title IX coordinator to hear other options.
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Check out the bottom of this page for additional resources.
Resources:
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RAINN & The National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hotline:1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN provides online chat services as well as the national sexual assault hotline (note that the RAINN hotline will direct you to your nearest sexual assault center, such as Helping Hands).
Helping Hands--a non-profit in Hood River, Oregon--supports all survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking through safety, shelter, advocacy, education, and outreach. Call us if you have questions, need guidance for yourself or a friend, or just need someone to listen.
Helping Hands Against Violence
Hotline: 541-386-6603
Visit your school's website or office to learn how to contact your Title IX coordinator.
SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please call 911, your local hotline 541-386-6603, or
the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. If concerned about a computer trail, exit this site now.