What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is generally defined as any type of sex acct committed upon a person without that person's consent. It may involve oral, anal or vaginal penetration, or attempted penetration.

Sexual assault often involves violence or threats of violence, and victims typically experience shock, disbelief and fear of being injured or killed.

Sexual assault is also known as rape. Other than murder, rape is the most brutalizing crime that can be perpetrated on a victim.

Rape is a crime of violence and the rapist is responsible. The victim is not the criminal.

Acquaintance Rape or Date Rape

Acquaintance rape or date rape means being forced into having sex with someone you know-against your will, without your consent. Date rape often occurs as a result of misunderstood sex role behaviors and/or communications styles. People who regard sex as scoring and are aggressive often believe "no" can be changed to a "yes" with a little more pressure or force.

If You Are Assaulted

Trust your feelings about the situation you are in. Remember, your goal is survival. Sometimes submission is necessary to avoid more serious injury. Lack of resistance is not the same as permission. Don't blame yourself later for what you did-or did not do.

Trust your instincts and act quickly. Stay calm. Your greatest chance to escape is usually when the attack first begins.

Get to a safe place. Seek help from someone who can give you emotional support. Go to a friend's house or call the rape crisis hotline -- 784-4357.

After the assault, your first instinct will be to clean yourself. It is extremely important that you Do not shower, bathe, douche, brush your teeth, wash your hands or change clothes.

Do not eat, drink or take any medication including Tylenol or aspirin, unless life sustaining .

Seek medical attention. To ensure your health and to help with prosecution, you should be examined immediately after the assault by medical personnel.

Report the assault to the police. Reporting attacks is an important part of ending violence against women.

Seek further help from someone trained to help rape victims: counselors, rape hot lines, emergency room staff, doctors or nurses, clergy, police trained to help rape victims.

It is not your fault! Remember, sexual assault is a crime of violence & you need not be ashamed or embarrassed by what has happened to you.

Legal Rights of a Crime Victim

• Notification of the arrest, release or escape of the accused, if possible.
• Information on the steps concerning freedom from intimidation.
• Advance notice of all court proceedings, if time permits.
• Prompt notification of the results of court proceedings.
• To be informed, present and heard, at all criminal proceedings.
• Assistance in obtaining Florida Crime Victim Compensation.
• Notification to your employer or school when you must appear in court.
• Opportunity to submit an impact statement at the time of the sentencing.

Hot line support, individual counseling, advocacy services & support groups can create change for you.

Victims of sexual assault will recover sooner if they have understanding people around them. They need acceptance, support and encouragement to talk about their reactions to the assault. They need reassurance that it wasn't their fault.

Women's Center Services include:

• Individual counseling
• Victims of incest support groups
• Sexual assault support groups
• Teen sexual assault support groups
• Assistance with crime victim compensation
• Out reach education to local high school on dating violence and acquaintance rape
• Referrals to community agencies

Sexual Assault Victims Services (SAVS)

Sexual Assault Victims Services (SAVS) is a Brevard county program working in cooperation with the State Attorney's Office to provide free & confidential support and advocacy services to sexual assault victims and their loved ones.

Volunteer advocates are available on a 24-hour basis to provide crisis intervention services. They also assist victims at the hospital during the rape exam, and occasionally accompany them to the police station for interviews.

SAVS Services Include:

• Rape hotline provides emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 784-help (321-784-4357).
• Support group to female victims of sexual assault (Call 321-617-7533).
• Crisis intervention.
• Hospital, law enforcement & court accompaniment.
• Guidance thru justice system.
• Crime victim compensation.
• Information and referrals.
• Special advocacy for child victims.
• Rape prevention programs.

Victim and Advocate & Witness Managers are located at the following offices:

Titusville - 321-264-6933

Cocoa and Viera - 321-617-7555

Sanford - 407-665-6112

For more information or help with this issue CALL The Women’s Center Counseling Services 242-1526 or 242-3110 ext 328.