Parents requesting information on sexual assault for school projects often contact me to find out where to start. When I can, I meet with the students and try to match the information supplied to their topic criteria. However, sometimes just knowing where to start finding out information about sexual assault is the best way to attack projects. It is such a scary and personal topic that many parents state that they are a little embarrassed about seeking information publicly because someone may wrongly think that either themselves, or their child, has been abused. With this in mind, I have gathered together some common information and resource links that may assist your child to complete their project. I hope you find them helpful. Just a point though, there needs be no shame attached to seeking information about sexual assault. Sexual assault can happen to any body at any time. The embarrassment belongs to the perpetrators because they are the ones who have done the wrong thing.
Definition of sexual assault: There are many different definitions of what sexual abuse is and what types of behaviors constitute abuse. One of the problems with statistical data on sexual abuse is that researchers often use different definitions. Therefore, depending on the definition used, two similar surveys can produce different statistics. A commonly used definition of sexual abuse is:
Any sexual activity between a child and an adult or older person (five or more years older). Sexual activity includes fondling genitals, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, finger or any other object, fondling of breasts, voyeurism, exhibitionism and exposing or involving the child in pornography (National Research Council, 1993. Understanding child abuse and neglect. Washington DC: National Academy Press).
This definition makes it clear that child sexual abuse occurs on a continuum with non-contact behaviours at one end, through to penetration at the other end. This continuum must be kept in mind when people hear the statistics of sexual abuse.
Incidence and Prevalence. Two different statistics explain the number of people sexually assaulted. The incident statistics are based on REPORTED rates of sexual assault. One thing we know about sexual assault is that it remains massively underreported. Therefore, another way of finding out what the prevalence of sexual assault is to survey adults asking them to reflect on their sexually abusive experiences as children. These surveys produce the prevalence statistics of sexual abuse. This is where the figure of one in three comes from.
The prevalence of sexual assault is said to be as high as one in three. The incidence (reports) is much lower because many people are too scared or embarrassed to report.
Sexual Assault can happen at any time to anyone: children, women or men.
Sexual Assault is considered to be a gendered crime, which means that many more men perpetrate sexual assaults on women, than women on men.
Sexual Assault is against the law. The perpetrator of the assult is responsible – even if the victim had been drinking or taking drugs.
Sexual assault impacts greatly upon a person’s emotional well being. It does not help a friend to keep sexual assault a secret.
Further information about specific types of sexual assault can be found on these sites:
Sexual Assault Resources: Five separate categories (General Sexual Assault, Surviviors, Campus Sexual Assaults, Resources for Men, Resources for Government) each containing different resources.
Sexual & Domestic Violence Project from The Center for Law & Social Responsibility: Some excellent articles on case law and points of argument. Many different areas to choose from depending on your project topic.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization and has been ranked as one of “America’s 100 Best Charities by Worth magazine.
Coordinated Community Response for Sexual Assault: This is a site containing hundreds of fact sheets on all different areas of sexual assault. The information is easy to understand and can be printed out as a fact sheet, rather than having to cut and paste from different parts of the site.
Australia Say’s “NO”: A Federal government initative for ending domestic, family and sexual violence. Information for young people, parents and the community on identifying and avoiding abusive and violent relationships and where to find help.
Related families.com articles:
Drink Spiking: A Rapists Favorite Game .
When Bad Things Happen Again and Again.
Topical Whensday: When will YOU wear a Colored Tee to Recognize Violence Against Women and Children.
Recovery From a Rape. YOU Can Immediately Help.
The Myths and Facts About Incest and Child Sexual Assault.
Sexual Violence Awareness Month.