Sexual Assault

(Benchmarked from an approved OVW website)

• What is sexual assault?
• What is rape?
• What is acquaintance rape?
• What if I have been sexually assaulted?
• Medical treatment options
• Coping skills
• Normal reactions to sexual assault

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. It impacts women, men, and children. You are not alone. One in six American women, and one in thirty-three American men, are victim/survivors of sexual assault. Similarly, college-aged women are four times more likely to be the victim/survivor of sexual assault and sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes; more than half are not reported (RAINN: Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).

Most often, the assailant and the victim/survivor know one another. There is a common cultural idea that sexual assault cannot happen to men, and that they are always the ones responsible for the assault. It is estimated that each year, 834,000 men are sexually assaulted by their partners (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998).

Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, class status, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or physical appearance. Sexual assault is never the victim/survivor’s fault. It is often easier to blame ourselves for our experiences of violence than it is to believe that we live in a world where someone would choose to harm us.

What is sexual assault?

• When a person commits an act of sexual penetration:
  • by the use of force or threat of force, or when the accused knew that the victim was unable to understand the nature of the act or was unable to give knowing consent.
• A crime prosecutable under Illinois law.
• An act of power and control.
• Sexual assault is NOT an expression of love, passion, or sexual desire.
• Sexual assault is NOT your fault.

What is rape?

• Rape is a form of sexual assault. Rape is another word for penetration (oral, anal, or vaginal) that is forced on another person through threats to harm that person or another, intimidation, coercion, or lack of consent.

What is acquaintance rape?

• Acquaintance rape is a sex crime committed by someone who knows the victim/survivor. The perpetrator could be a friend, classmate, relative, or co-worker. As a sex crime, acquaintance rape includes forced, manipulated, or coerced sexual contact.  

What if I have been sexually assaulted?

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• Call someone for support.
  • You can call a trusted friend, family member, or any other support system to help and support you. On campus Victim Advocacy Services is available to ALL NIU students to advocate and support any victim/survivor or anyone impacted by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. All services are confidential and Victim Advocacy Services can help you navigate your way through on- and off-campus resources. You can reach Victim Advocacy Services during regular business hours at 815-753-8031.
• Do not bathe, douche, or change clothes.
  • Washing or changing clothes may remove forensic evidence. If you do bathe, douche, or change clothes, a hospital will still provide a forensic evidence exam.
• Get medical attention.
  • Both your physical and emotional well-being are important. You could have an internal injury, a sexually transmitted infection, or become pregnant. A medical exam could also provide important evidence for prosecution.
• Make a police report.
  • Making a report is not the same as pressing charges. You can make a police report even if you are unsure if you want to press charges. The decision to prosecute is completely up to you. 

Medical treatment options

• Kishwaukee Community Hospital

Normal reactions to sexual assault