“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust,

let go and see what happens.” —Mandy Hale

What is Sexual Assualt/Abuse?

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According to Psychology Today

"Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that occurs without consent. Also referred to as sexual assault or sexual violence, it includes unwanted sexual touching, forced oral sex, and rape, among other sexual acts. No matter which act occurs, it’s not the survivor’s fault that they were assaulted—and help is available to begin healing from such abuse."

Examples of sexual assault or rape are:

• Feeling pressured into unwanted kissing or touching of your body.

• Extremely rough or violent sexual activity, or forced into submission against your will.

• Rape or the act of attempting to rape someone.

• Refusal of protection like condoms or restricting access to birth control or from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Sexual contact with someone who is mentally disabled, underage, drunk, drugged, unconscious or otherwise unable to give a clear and informed consent.

• Coercion or pressuring someone into performing unwanted sexual activity.

• Sexual abuse includes exposing children to pornographic content, including pictures and videos.

Sexual abuse can also be with someone your dating, married to, or have been in a past relationship with. Some men coerce their significant other into performing sexual acts, because they feel they are entitled to.  This is not true sex should be a harmonious co-joining between all parties involved. 

The sad truth about sexual assault/Abuse is that many times victim's are too ashamed to report it, they lack the confidence to stand up for themselves.  Some even feel if they sweep it under the rug to say, that it will go away.  WRONG!  Once abused, the victims may experience a variety of mental issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, as well as Insomnia, flashbacks and other illnesses.  I highly recommend getting help from professionals, and or support groups, to ease the pain and continue with your life.

Consent

"Consent" is defined as words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent. There is no consent where the person is sleeping or incapacitated, such as due to alcohol or drugs, or mental incapacity. There is no consent when the person is under legal age. - This is part of the Sexual Assault and Prevention From the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) Website.

What should I do?

If you or someone you care about or know has or is going through sexual abuse, you need to get professional help as soon as possible.  The longer it goes on the more physical and psychological damage it can do to the person being abused. If you or someone you know is being abused, try comforting them and encourage them to seek help immediately. I understand this may be difficult; not many people feel comfortable talking about their sexual conduct.  Keep in mind it is NOT your FAULT if you have been or are currently being assaulted. As soon as you are safe contact the authorities and report it.  It will take time to work through this, but it will make you a better and a stronger person by taking legal action.  In this way you may prevent them from hurting other innocent victims.

State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers

Use this form to Contact us with any questions you may have, We will respond within 48 hours or less.  If this is an emergency please call your local authorities.ie (911) etc.

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