Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. It is always the fault of the assailant no matter what their relationship is to the assailant, what they were wearing or doing, or what drugs or alcohol they ingested prior to, or at the time of, the assault.

 

Rape and sexual assault survivors face many decisions in the hours, days, months, and years following the assault. Artemis House advocates do not make decisions for survivors but help them think about options and make the choices that they feel are best for them. Rape and sexual assault occurs across all communities, regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, age, religion, cultural heritage, and social or economic status. Artemis House offers individual and group support to all survivors of sexual assault. All genders are welcome.

What exactly IS sexual assault?

 

  • Rape

Sexual intercourse against a person’s will

  • Unwanted Sexual Touching

This can be kissing, fondling, or any other unwanted touch of a sexual nature

  • Forcible Sodomy

Anal sex against a person’s will

  • Sexual Contact with Minors

Whether consensual or not, sexual contact with a minor is a serious offense

  • Forcible Object Penetration

penetrating someone’s vagina or anus, or causing that person to penetrate her or himself, against that person’s will

  • Incest

Forced sexual contact between related people

  • Marital Rape

Sexual intercourse with one’s spouse without the spouse’s consent

  • ANY Unwanted Sexual Contact

The terms here are not conclusive; there are many ways that sexual assault can occur

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What should you do if you are sexually assaulted?

  • Go to a safe place.

  • Do not wash or douche.

  • Do not eat or drink anything if oral sex was involved.

  • Do not remove, touch or destroy anything which may be evidence, including underwear and clothing.

  • Go to a hospital emergency room. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is devoted to treating victims of rape or sexual assault. Explain that you have been sexually assaulted and need to be examined.

  • Request tests for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis and HIV. Time is critical in collecting forensic evidence after a sexual assault. A Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit can be administered within 96 hours at the hospital at no cost to the survivor. The kit is administered with or without police involvement. The choice for police involvement is the decision of the survivor. A nurse can request an advocate from the Artemis House, or a friend or family member can call directly at 605 642-7825.

  • Consider whether you need safe housing.

  • Develop a safety plan.

  • Seek out assistance and help from family members or friends whom you trust.

  • Consider making a police report by calling 911