The Truth About Sexual Assault

Annabelle Gallegos, Staff Writer

 

Think about a neighbor. A best friend, an ex-girlfriend, a teacher, or a friend’s mother. You may not know it, but they could have been sexually assaulted at some point in their life. It is important that people understand the facts vs. myths and statistics surrounding sexual assault.

What is sexual assault anyway? Let’s clear it up. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the recipient. Any situation in which a person is coerced, threatened or unfairly pressured to engage in sexual activity is sexual assault (link).

Sexual assault is often depicted in media to be violent and extremely forced. Although many cases can be very forceful and violent, others may not be and can be just as physically or emotionally harming to an individual. One out of four women and one out of seventeen men in Colorado have been sexually assaulted (link). While 60 percent of assaults go unreported, the mental and emotional recovery for victims is never fully achieved. Also, according to Disability Scoop, 90 percent of kids with disabilities will be sexually assaulted more than once before they are 18.

 

There are too many myths, misconceptions and misbeliefs regarding the topic of sexual assault. It is extremely crucial that more people understand the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault and its victims. There is a misconception that it is the victim’s fault if the victim was consuming alcohol, dressed a certain way, or behaving in a particular manner (link).

 

Sexual assault is not usually a misunderstanding. Sexual assault is not usually committed by a stranger. Because someone said “yes” once does not mean they cannot say “no” during or at another time should they begin to feel uncomfortable. There is no social-science research that backs up the notion that the promiscuity of a woman’s outfit encourages sexual assault. There is no correlation between the number of partners a person has that puts them at a greater risk to be victimized. Women (or men) don’t simply lie about being raped or sexually assaulted. The percent of false accusations of rape and sexual assault that is actually reported is about 2 percent; the same as any other crime reported (link).

 

The Eagle Way sent out a poll asking students of Broomfield to respond to the question: “Have you been or known someone who has been sexually assaulted?” Over 200 students voted, and the results were that 60 (27.6%) said they knew someone who had been sexually assaulted. That means you may know the person they are thinking of, but you might not know they have been a victim in any way.

 

Does that bother you? It should.

 

For someone who has been sexually assaulted, many victims do not seek help or tell anyone at all (link). It all starts with their support and surroundings: you, me, all of us. This is because many victims feel a sense of self-blame, shame, or fear for several reasons. Many of those who were sexually assaulted feel as though it is their fault. They might fear questions that point to it being their fault.

Victims can be disillusioned by the fact of their assault and pretend it never actually happened. Sexual assault victims may cope in many different ways. However, it is important to take note of what to say and what not to say in order to be supportive and respectful of their experience. And if you are a victim, know that it is not your fault. You are not a burden. Many staff, friends, and family members can serve to be a great safe person for you to confide in.

Find your safe person, or talk to an anonymous help-line. Colorado’s metro Denver area has their very own comprehensive sexual assault support and care organization called The Blue Bench. Visit their webiste at thebluebench.com and explore thier tabs with information, facts, ways you can help, and even a hotline for those who need a safe person.

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