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What Is Sexual Assault ? Rape/sexual assault is not about sex. It is an act of power or force, using sex as the weapon for control; Sexual assault is a violent, brutal, terrifying and humiliating assault, even when physical force has not been used; Most survivors of sexual assault know their attacker in some way. They may be a member of the family, a partner, boss, neighbour or acquaintance; It doesn't matter how anyone dresses, where they go, how old they are, how many sexual partners they have had, whether they are married, or how many drinks they have had. In the ACT Crimes Act, Part IIIA Sexual Offences, sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse, or attempted sexual intercourse, without consent. Sexual intercourse includes the penetration, to any extent, of the vagina or anus of a person, or by an object. It also includes the introduction of any part of the penis of a person, into the mouth of another person, or oral sex. No one ever asks for, wants or deserves to be sexually assaulted. Sexual Assault Counselling Service confidential counselling and support for women and children who have experienced any form of sexual assault recently or in the past; advocacy and information; 24 hour crisis service and phone line; support through all legal and medical processes, including court preparation; information on legal and medical processes; referral to relevant agencies, services and government departments; support for family and friends; education workshops for schools, organisations and the community; support groups for survivors of sexual assault; a free community library service. Sexual assault is not about a passion or sexual desire.... Indecent Assault includes a range of sexual behaviours, including for example, someone touching your breasts, grabbing your bottom, or exposing himself or herself to you. There is also a law against stalking. From a very early age, women and children can experience a range of unwanted sexual behaviour and harassment, including intrusive stares, pinching, whistles, and unwelcome body contact. Sexual assault is an extreme form of this kind of sexually abusive behaviour. Sexual assault is not about a passion or sexual desire. It is the use of power and control, by one person over another person, using sexual means. It is this use of power, to violate, humiliate or hurt another person, which gratifies the attacker. Most offenders are known to the survivors of sexual assault. They may be a family member, or boyfriend, a friend, a boss, an acquaintance, or a neighbour. There are many myths and stereotypes that hide the truth about sexual assault. Myths disguise the truth and distort the reality, about what is really happening. The reality, is that all women, from young children to very old women, are vulnerable to sexual assault; that boys and men do get sexually assaulted and raped; and that the only person responsible for the sexual assault, is the one who commits it. It is important that survivors of any form of sexual assault, hear from people around them, that it is not their fault, and you believe them. What To Do Try and remember it was not your fault. Call the Sexual Assault Counselling Service, 24 hour phone 6247 2525 for confidential and non-judgemental support and information. LEGAL AND MEDICAL INFORMATION It is important for your health to have a medical examination as soon as possible. If you want to report an assault to the police, you can take a friend or worker with you for support. If you think you might want to report the assault to the police, they advise you not to shower, bath, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, or go to the toilet, until you have had a forensic medical examination. As hard as it may be not to clean up, you may destroy important evidence if you do. The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre is available for any woman, young person or child, who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether it is a recent assault, or an assault that happened years ago. You can use the Rape Crisis services, without reporting the assault to the police. The Centre provides free and confidential services. The 24 hour Crisis Telephone Number is Hours: Crisis Service: 24 hours, 7 days a week Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Contact Details: Phone: (02) 6247 8071 (business line) Fax: (02) 6247 2536 Mail to: PO Box 916 Dickson ACT 2602 Email: crcc@rapecrisis.org.au ****************************** This Community Support Website is |
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RAPE 24 Hour Telephone Crisis Service (02) 6247 2525 |
