Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault or Rape: Sexual contact with anyone who cannot or does not give informed, willing consent.
This is not the legal definition of rape in Oregon. The legal definitions distinguish between degrees of rape and between rape and other forms of sexual assault. However, the Center for Hope and Safety has developed its own definition of rape - the one just given - in order to focus attention on the pivotal issue of consent.
Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. The only person that bears blame is the perpetrator who made the decision to harm someone else. Often when someone hears the term sexual assault they think of a rapist violently attacking a stranger in an alley or parking lot. While this can happen, the majority of rapes are perpetrated by someone known to the victim.
Myths & Facts
- MYTH: “It can’t happen to me.” Rape is an isolated, infrequent event that only happens to certain kinds of people.
FACT: Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Studies show that sexual assault happens to people of all ages, people of color, all sexualities and identities, people with disabilities, and people of every racial, ethnic, religious, economic and social background.
- MYTH: “She asked for it.” Women often provoke rape by their own behavior: wearing low-cut clothing, going out alone, staying out late, being drunk, kissing, etc.
FACT: No one asks to be sexually assaulted. People have the right to be safe from sexual violence. The offender, not the survivor, must be held responsible for this crime.
- MYTH: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers in out of the way places.
FACT: Over 70% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows. Over 40% of sexual assaults occur in the victim’s home and another 30% take place in the home of a friend, neighbor or relative.
- MYTH: Women frequently “cry rape”.
FACT: The FBI reports that false accusations account for only 2% of all reported sexual assaults. This is no higher than false reports for any other crime.
Sexual Assault Statistics
Roughly every 68 seconds, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted (RAINN).
Roughly 1 in 5 victims are 10 years of age or younger
Almost 1 in 3 victims are ages 11-17
More than 3 out of 4 victims are under age 25
2019 FBI Victims by Age and the 2015 National Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence Survey
Only 33.9% of sexual assault and rapes are reported to the police. Of those incidents reported, there is less than a 15% chance of an arrest to be made and 8% chance the rapist will go to prison.
The Center for Hope & Safety supports the survivor’s decision whether to report to law enforcement or not.
If Someone you Know is Sexually Assaulted
If someone you care about is sexually assaulted, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be supportive. Listen actively and without judgement. Make it clear that you care about their wellbeing and safety.
- Do not ask for details. Allow for the opportunity for them to share their feelings, fears, and reactions as they feel comfortable.
- Do not tell the victim what to do. They can make the decision whether to report the rape or not. You can offer support by referring to speak with a confidential advocate. The crisis hotline is (503) 399-7722.
- Be gentle, patient, and sensitive to their needs.
