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SAFETY TIPS...
Ask for ID from all service
people.
Refuse entry to anyone from whom you did not request services.
Show children how to safely answer the door.
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You
Should...
Call the police (EMERGENCY 911) and the
local rape crisis center. It may be necessary that you be taken to
the hospital emergency room for treatment and examination.If you are twelve
years of age or older, you may request a medical exam without obtaining
your parent's/guardian's consent.
It is your legal right to have a crisis counselor present to support you
throughout the report to the police, at the hospital, and during legal proceedings.
It is important to remember after a sexual assault that you should not change
your clothes, wash, douche, or disturb anything in the physical surroundings
until the police conduct their investigation. If you do, you may accidentally
destroy valuable evidence the police or prosecutor might need to proceed
with an arrest and obtain a conviction.
If you were sexually assaulted in the past, it is important to get a medical
check up. |
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You have the right to…
- Have a sexual assault counselor accompany
you to medical, law enforcement, and legal proceedings.
- File a police report and receive assistance
regardless of the relationship of the assailant to you.
- A sign language or spoken language interpreter.
- Ask questions and receive answers about
any tests, exams, medications, treatments or forms; the right to refuse
any procedures; and to be informed of any necessary follow-up care and
testing.
- Be treated with respect, dignity, and courtesy
regardless of your race, age, class, lifestyle, sexual orientation,
or occupation.
Rape and Sexual Assault are...
Violent crimes which can cause fear,
injury, humiliation, and psychological trauma. It is a crime of
violence, not passion.
Sexual assault is used to express anger, power, control, and dominance.
Most people associate sexual assault with strangers who use weapons, force,
and fear to commit assault. Although this does occur, we know that
at least 70% of all assaults are committed by acquaintances who employ
duress, coercion, psychological pressure, and even physical force.
Women, children, and men of all ages, socio-economic levels, neighborhoods,
and lifestyles can be sexually assaulted. Sexual assault by a person
known to you, including your spouse, IS A CRIME.
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