Sexual assault and prevention

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT According to the U.S. uniform crime report, sexual assault is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States.

1. Three out of four victims of sexual assault will know their attacker.

2. Most rapes occur between people of the same race and similar social position

3. Over 50% of rapes are planned in advance.

4. A rape occurs because of the rapists need to dominant and control someone, not for sexual gratification.

5. For a female over age 14, her chances of being sexually assaulted are one in three.

TIPS TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT-

1. Believe that your body belongs to you.  Don't give into sexual pressure, even from people you know.

2. Set your limits and state them clearly.  Say no assertively to unwanted sexual attention or advances.

3. Trust your instincts.  The moment you feel uncomfortable, ACT.  Protect yourself and don't worry about making a scene.

4. If a firm NO doesn't stop an advance, yell for help and physically remove yourself.

5. Don't think that if you are persistent and more insistent with intimate contact you will overcome the other persons reluctance by either arousing or wearing him/her down to a point where he/she wont say no.

6. When someone moves away from your touch or expresses other forms of resistance, apologize and go back to the contact you mutually last agreed to.  Don't push it again in a few minutes.

7. Limit alcohol consumption to amounts that will not affect your better judgment and help you to maintain control.

Remember, if your partner does not consent to having sex and you guilt, shame or overpower him/her into it, you are guilty of rape.  Instead, respect your partner.  ANYTHING AFTER NO IS RAPE.