Bradford Police Department

 

FORMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact where the victim has been forced, coerced, or tricked into participation against her/his will.

Sexual Assault/Rape:
• The use of physical force, emotional bargaining, blackmail, or mind games to force sexual intercourse.
• Anyone may be the victim; male or female, young or old, all ethnic and economic backgrounds.
• Rape is a crime of power. It is not sex!

Acquaintance Rape/Date Rape:

• Over 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows - a relative, friend, or date.
• For males and females alike, “NO” means “NO” and any sexual intercourse that occurs afterwards is rape.

Incest/Child Sexual Assault:

• Sexual contact between a child and an adult or older child for the purpose of gaining power and control over the child.
• 1 in every 4 girls and 1 in every 6 boys will be a victim before the age of 18.
• Symptoms of sexual abuse in children may include: depression, nightmares, age inappropriate interest in sexual matters, fear of a particular person, genital infections, and / or sexually transmitted diseases.

 

IF YOU ARE RAPED:

• Get to a safe place.
• DO NOT shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, use the toilet, or change your clothes.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Take a change of clothes with you to the hospital.
• Contact a trusted friend or family member for support.
• Contact the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-888-822-6325 for support and information.

REMEMBER, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Have a sexual assault counselor be present if you wish.
• Meet in a private setting with the counselor and / or police officer.
• Know the purpose of any forms you are asked to sign.
• Ask questions and receive answers about any tests, exams, medications, or treatments.
• Be informed of any necessary follow-up care you may require.

Voice complaints and concerns you may have regarding your treatment and have them courteously acknowledged and addressed.

 

VICTIMS’ REACTIONS TO RAPE:

Victims have varied reactions to sexual assaults. One individual may react very emotionally; another with extreme calm. The experience should not be judged by the victim’s reaction.

Victims usually follow three phases in their response to sexual assault. This general response known to all victims is called Rape Trauma Syndrome.

Phase 1: IMMEDIATE

• Feelings of fear, anger, embarrassment
• Self-blame, helplessness
• Abrupt mood changes
• Overreaction to everyday problems or challenges
• Extreme calm or intense anxiety

Phase 2: READJUSTMENT

• Attempts made to resolve anxiety
• Effort made to forget the incident ever happened
• Minimizing the effects of the assault

Phase 3: REORGANIZATION

• Depression, fear, insomnia, nightmares, and flash-backs
• Desire to talk about the assault
• Acceptance; integrating the assault into your life’s experience.