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Sexual assault is affects the lives of
victims, their families, and their friends. The experience is
violent, traumatic, and life-threatening to the victims. He/she must
not only cope with the physical aspects, but he/she must also deal with
the myths, misconceptions, and stereo-typical views which surround the
issue of sexual assault. These views often affect how the
victim and the victim's family and friend respond to the crisis. At
Family Service of Kanawha Valley, we hope to ease the suffering of the
victim by replacing the myths with facts through education and by
providing support and advocacy services when necessary.
- 24-HOUR RAPE CRISIS
INTERVENTION
Trained victim advocates
are on call 24 hours per day to talk with victims of sexual assault on
the telephone and/or to meet with them at Women and Children's Hospital
Emergency Room.
Follow-up counseling
services are provided to assist victims in coping with the trauma of
sexual assault.
- MEDICAL AND LEGAL
ADVOCACY
Counselors serve as
advocates for the victim through the emergency room, police and court
procedures.
Community education
programs are presented to schools, organizations, businesses, etc.
throughout the community. These programs focus on various aspects
regarding the issue of sexual assault.
- REMEMBER
- Anyone is a potential victim of sexual
assault, regardless of age, or appearance
- A rapist is not always a stranger to the
victim. The perpetrator may be an acquaintance, neighbor,
friend, co-worker, date, or spouse.
- No prevention strategy is 100%
effective. However, being aware of your surroundings and taking
common sense precautionary measures can help to reduce your risk of
becoming a victim of sexual assault.
- Rape is never the victim's fault.
FBI statistics indicate that one rape is
reported every six minutes. It is reported, however, that one rape
actually occurs every one minute in the United States. Other studies
indicate that one in three females and one in six males will be sexually
victimized in her/his lifetime. In 60% to 80% of these cases, the
assailant is known to the victim.
Sexual assault is defined as any sexual
activity imposed upon a person against her/his will. It is a
hostile, violent, forcible act with the purpose of humiliating,
dominating, and controlling the victim. Sexual assault is the sexual
expression of power and anger rather than the aggressive expression of
sexuality.
- IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY
ASSAULTED
1. Report
the crime to the police department, if possible. If you are
uncertain about legal involvement, call Family Service Sexual Assault
Services. A trained advocate will advise you of your options and
provide support and advocacy services for any option you choose.
2. Do not shower, bathe, brush
teeth, douche, change clothes, or destroy any evidence which may help in
the prosecution of the case.
3. Obtain prompt medical
attention. Even though you may not have received any physical
injuries, it is vital that you have a medical examination. This is
necessary not only to obtain evidence for prosecution, but also to take
care of your own health by being tested and treated for sexually
transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
A person should never be blamed for being unable to avoid an attack or
for not fighting an attacker. If you survived the attack, you did
everything right.
Survival
is the
primary goal.
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304-340-3676
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Emergency
rape crisis calls are received 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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