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HOW
TO RECOGNIZE SEXUAL ASSAULT
[Back] It is important to remember that
sexual
assault is never the victim's fault. No one asks to be assaulted
or abused.
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Have you ever been forced into any type of unwanted sexual
activity?
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Has a partner ever used
threats, violence, or other methods of coercion to "convince" you to
engage in sexual activity?
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Have you ever gone to a club, bar or
party and woken up in a strange place with no memory of the day
before? (Possible indication of date-rape drugs such as GHB or
Rohypnol).
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Has anyone ever touched
you in a way that made you feel uncomfortable and asked you to keep
it a secret?
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Has anyone ever taken
photographs of your body without your permission, or asked you to
keep it a secret?
If you
answered yes to any of these questions, you may have been sexually
assaulted. If you have concerns, you may want to discuss the experience with a trusted friend
or family member, confidential sexual assault counselor, or law
enforcement officer. If you feel that you have been sexually
assaulted, know that you can file a report, even if time has passed
since the incident occurred. You may also want to consider a
medical exam to determine if any medical treatment is necessary.
In York County or Poquoson, you
can call
Avalon at
(757)
258-5051 or The Center for Sexual Assault Support Services at
(757) 825-2591. If you are outside this area, you
can seek nationwide assistance through RAINN at (800) 656-HOPE
or Family Violence & Sexual Assault
Hotline at
(800) 838-8238.
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