There are several myths surrounding sexual assault. Educate yourself on what constitutes sexual assault and its legal repercussions. Know the warning signs and common types.
You can report a sexual assault in several ways. Listed below are the steps you should take. Read on for more information. To report an assault, call the local police department immediately. Calling 911 may be your best option in an emergency. Calling a non-emergency number is another option. You can also go to the police department in person.
Myths about sexual assault
Many people believe that a woman is incapable of sexual assault, but the facts show that women are far more vulnerable to this crime than you might think. As a matter of fact, 70% of sexual assaults are committed by people the victim knows, and most occur in a woman’s home, a friend’s home, or another individual’s home. Furthermore, only 2% of reported sexual assaults are false – and that number is lower than that of any other crime.
Another myth about rape is that it is a victim-initiated crime. This is a myth that makes the victim believe that they had to “ask” to be abused. However, the perpetrator of the crime does not necessarily choose attractive people. They choose weak or frightened victims who are not likely to resist. They also may choose victims who are physically smaller than they are, or those who are handicapped or isolated. The truth is that most victims of sexual assaults are unaware that they have been targeted, and do not fight back. A common method used to keep victims incapacitated is alcohol or drugs.
Legal repercussions of sexual assault
If you were a victim of a sexual assault, you should contact a lawyer to help you navigate the legal system. Reporting the crime to police is one step, but the next is pursuing a case. Sexual assault cases are difficult to prosecute and often result in no justice being served. In some cases, though, the prosecutor may pursue the case, despite the wishes of the victim. The following are legal repercussions of sexual assault:
The first repercussions of a sexual assault case are significant. Depending on the age of the victim and the offender, the sentence for a sexual assault charge can range from a few years to several decades in prison. In addition to the prison term, convicted offenders must pay a hefty fine and register as a sexual offender. If a sexual assault case results in a conviction, you must pay the fine and be registered as a sexual offender with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Signs of sexual assault
A victim of sexual assault may appear emotionally distant and may be uncharacteristically quiet around friends and family. They may also exhibit sudden emotional outbursts and exhibit mood swings. Other common signs of sexual assault include bruising and bleeding. These symptoms vary from one victim to the next, depending on the nature of the assault and the person’s natural reactions to traumatic events. It is important to note that some of these signs may not be present or will be less noticeable in certain victims than others.
When a child exhibits any of the above symptoms, it’s important to take action. If you observe a pattern, or if your child shows multiple signs, this may be a sign of sexual harassment. If your child shows multiple signs of abuse, you can document them to determine the pattern. If your child doesn’t show these signs consistently, there may be an underlying cause. In such a case, seek help from a therapist.
Common types of sexual assault
The physical and psychological consequences of sexual assault are numerous. These can include unwanted pregnancies, STIs, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other health problems. Some sexual assaults can even cause incontinence. Generalized cuts are common, and perpetrators can use physical force to subdue their victims. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, it’s important to seek legal assistance.
Intimate partner sexual assaults are often accompanied by verbal and physical violence. The offender is someone the victim considers to know and trust intimately. They have shared histories and secrets with them. They may even have loved and trusted them. While these attacks may have many different causes, they share similar characteristics. Sexual assault is a crime, and it’s important to report it as soon as possible. Regardless of who the offender is, you should report your attack to local law enforcement to ensure that you’re protected.
Treatment after a sexual assault
Survivors of a sexual assault often report experiencing a wide range of symptoms. They may experience frequent flashbacks, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping. Other symptoms of sexual assault are feeling “on edge,” having trouble concentrating, and being easily startled. Often, these symptoms are a result of posttraumatic stress disorder. Mental health professionals will work with the survivor to develop the coping mechanisms they need to recover from the attack.
Your healthcare provider will examine you thoroughly to determine whether you sustained any physical injuries during the assault. They will look for bruises or tender areas. They will also request photographs to evaluate the extent of any injuries. Although many victims of sexual assault do not sustain physical injuries, it is important to get photographs of any bruises that occur. During the examination, the healthcare provider may take photographs to document the assault. They will likely request that you avoid bathing or showering for several days after the assault.