Tag Archives: sexual violence

Straight, No Chaser: Lowering Your Risk of Being Sexually Assaulted

Genital/Urinary, Medical Treatment, Mental Health, Trauma, , , , , , , ,

rapestop

Rape occurs in many different situations. Although the stereotype involves a stranger pulling a victim into a dark, isolated place, more common situations involve being assaulted in the home environment by someone known or by a date. These days rapes occur with victims unable to resist and without memory of the assault.
To begin this conversation of how to lower your risk of sexual assault, remember this first:

Never leave your drink unattended, whether on a date or at a club or other social event.

daterapedrugs

This is the second entry in a Straight, No Chaser series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape).

  • Check this Straight, No Chaser, which addresses the definition and scope of sexual assault, including actions to take if you’re a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss concrete physical and mental consequences of sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss signs of sexual assault in children.

For the many of you who are victims of rape and sexual assault, you are never at fault, no matter where or how it happens. Your mental health moving forward is largely dependent on when and how completely you accept this fact.

rapeprevention

How can I lower my risk of sexual assault?
This is information is modified from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Crime Prevention Council. Here are actions you can take to lower your risk of sexual assault. Being prepared to recognize signs and take action is not the same as living in fear or being paranoid. Forewarned is forearmed.
In general
• First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. Learn to survey your environment as a prelude to avoiding dangerous situations.
• If any circumstance presents that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave. Hone and trust your instincts.
• Be assertive about your personal space. Make it clear that there are limits that are not to be violated. Your first concern shouldn’t be how these boundaries make you look, but your safety.
• Carry your preferred method of protection. Be skilled in your choice and avoid options that can easily be used against you.
At home
• Lock your doors and your windows, even if you’re gone for just a few minutes. The appearance of unforced entry only confuses matters if you’re trying to prosecute an attacker.
• Never prop open self-locking doors.
• Use door guards, including security door chains and partial door stops.
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Use the door’s peephole to view your visitors.
Out and about
• Walk with confidence. This promotes strength.
• When it comes to using alcohol, know your limits and stick to them.
• Avoid isolated areas such as underground garages, offices after business hours and apartment laundry rooms, especially if you’re alone.
• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route and routine. Exercise and rest in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
Near your car
• Lock your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a few moments. You don’t want to return to find someone hiding in your back seat.
• Have your key ready to use before you reach your car.
• Get a key with an alarm button. Make sure the battery is always strong and the alarm functioning.
• Watch your car keys and don’t put your name and address on the key ring.
• Park in brightly lit areas that are away from wooded or other areas that could easily disguise danger.
• Drive on well-traveled roads and maintain high levels of fuel in your car. Keep your doors and windows locked while driving.
• Fuel your vehicle during the day.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker.
• If you experience car trouble, stay in your vehicle and call for help on your cellular phone. If you don’t have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors and place a banners in scattered sites that say, “Help. Call police.”

date_rape_psa_photo

Prevention in these matters is the smart thing to do. Your best chance to avoid sexual assault is to avoid being places in which a higher risk of assault exists. Good luck.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress
 

Straight, No Chaser: Lowering Your Risk of Being Sexually Assaulted

Genital/Urinary, Medical Treatment, Mental Health, Trauma, , , , , , , ,

rapestop

Rape occurs in many different situations. Although the stereotype involves a stranger pulling a victim into a dark, isolated place, more common situations involve being assaulted in the home environment by someone known or by a date. These days rapes occur with victims unable to resist and without memory of the assault.
To begin this conversation of how to lower your risk of sexual assault, remember this first:

Never leave your drink unattended, whether on a date or at a club or other social event.

daterapedrugs

This is the second entry in a Straight, No Chaser series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape).

  • Check this Straight, No Chaser, which addresses the definition and scope of sexual assault, including actions to take if you’re a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss concrete physical and mental consequences of sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss signs of sexual assault in children.

For the many of you who are victims of rape and sexual assault, you are never at fault, no matter where or how it happens. Your mental health moving forward is largely dependent on when and how completely you accept this fact.

rapeprevention

How can I lower my risk of sexual assault?
This is information is modified from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Crime Prevention Council. Here are actions you can take to lower your risk of sexual assault. Being prepared to recognize signs and take action is not the same as living in fear or being paranoid. Forewarned is forearmed.
In general
• First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. Learn to survey your environment as a prelude to avoiding dangerous situations.
• If any circumstance presents that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave. Hone and trust your instincts.
• Be assertive about your personal space. Make it clear that there are limits that are not to be violated. Your first concern shouldn’t be how these boundaries make you look, but your safety.
• Carry your preferred method of protection. Be skilled in your choice and avoid options that can easily be used against you.
At home
• Lock your doors and your windows, even if you’re gone for just a few minutes. The appearance of unforced entry only confuses matters if you’re trying to prosecute an attacker.
• Never prop open self-locking doors.
• Use door guards, including security door chains and partial door stops.
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Use the door’s peephole to view your visitors.
Out and about
• Walk with confidence. This promotes strength.
• When it comes to using alcohol, know your limits and stick to them.
• Avoid isolated areas such as underground garages, offices after business hours and apartment laundry rooms, especially if you’re alone.
• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route and routine. Exercise and rest in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
Near your car
• Lock your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a few moments. You don’t want to return to find someone hiding in your back seat.
• Have your key ready to use before you reach your car.
• Get a key with an alarm button. Make sure the battery is always strong and the alarm functioning.
• Watch your car keys and don’t put your name and address on the key ring.
• Park in brightly lit areas that are away from wooded or other areas that could easily disguise danger.
• Drive on well-traveled roads and maintain high levels of fuel in your car. Keep your doors and windows locked while driving.
• Fuel your vehicle during the day.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker.
• If you experience car trouble, stay in your vehicle and call for help on your cellular phone. If you don’t have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors and place a banners in scattered sites that say, “Help. Call police.”

date_rape_psa_photo

Prevention in these matters is the smart thing to do. Your best chance to avoid sexual assault is to avoid being places in which a higher risk of assault exists. Good luck.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Sexual Assault (Rape) and What To Do If You’re a Victim

Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Trauma, , , , , , , ,

Sexualviolence

In this series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape), I’m going to lean on best practices largely provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. This topic is sensitive enough that nothing needs to be interpreted as subjective.

  • This Straight, No Chaser will address the definition and scope of sexual assault, including actions to take if you’re a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss concrete physical and mental consequences of sexual assault and steps you can take to lower your risk of sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss signs of sexual assault in children.

The scope of sexual assault is so vast that it’s surprising more isn’t being done to prevent it. Can you imagine the fervor we’d have if 20% of the population had cancer?

  • Nearly 20% (1 in 5) women have been victims of sexual violence at some time in their lives. The rate for men in 1 in 71.
  • It is estimated that 20-25% of college women in the U.S. have experience a rape or rape attempt while in college.
  • When surveyed, 8% of high school students report having been forced to have sex.

These self-reported numbers are generally accepted as underestimates. The stigma, shame, fear of repercussions and unlikelihood of successful prosecution deter many victims of sexual violence from reporting abuse.

 Sexualassaultdef

Is sexual assault as simple as you know it when you see it (figuratively)? Sexual assault and abuse are any sexual activities that you do not agree to, including …

  • Any inappropriate touching of another’s sexual organs
  • Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration and intercourse regardless of “no” or without expressed consent
  • Rape or attempted rape
  • Child molestation

The scope of sexual assault also includes any inappropriate verbalizations or viewing of another person– basically anything that engages another to participate in unwanted sexual contact or attention. The following are included:

  • Voyeurism (someone unknowingly viewing your private sexual acts)
  • Exhibitionism (someone exposes him/herself to you in public)
  • Incest (sexual contact between family members)
  • Sexual harassment

 sexual_assaulthelp

If you are the victim of sexual assault, there are important steps to take immediately:

  • First, get away from the attacker to a safe place as fast as you can.
  • Next, call 911 or the police or go to the emergency room where the staff can call the police and/or arrange for you to file a police report should you so desire.
  • Call a friend or family member you trust.
  • Call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor if you are experiencing feelings of fear, shame or guilt, all of which are normal after an assault. Emergency room staff will also be able to connect you to a local rape crisis center.
  • Although the urge will be overwhelming to do so, do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Do not change clothes, touch or change anything at the site where the assault occurred. The entirety of your current state is needed evidence, and the emergency room or other hospital staff will need to collect evidence. The evidence obtained from you using a rape kit will include fibers, hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing that the attacker may have left behind.
  • Go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. You will need to be examined, treated for any injuries and screened for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or pregnancy.

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Help is available but only if you ask. Here is information on services available to you.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TDD)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

You will also have access to many local resources through your emergency room or police department. The important point is to get to safety and to help.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Lowering Your Risk of Being Sexually Assaulted

General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Trauma, , , , , ,

rapestop

Rape occurs in many different situations. Although the stereotype involves a stranger pulling a victim into a dark, isolated place, more common situations involve being assaulted in the home environment by someone known or by a date. These days rapes occur with victims unable to resist and without memory of the assault.
To begin this conversation of how to lower your risk of sexual assault, remember this first:

Never leave your drink unattended, whether on a date or at a club or other social event.

daterapedrugs

This is the second entry in a Straight, No Chaser series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape).

  • Check this Straight, No Chaser, which addresses the definition and scope of sexual assault, including actions to take if you’re a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss concrete physical and mental consequences of sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss signs of sexual assault in children.

For the many of you who are victims of rape and sexual assault, you are never at fault, no matter where or how it happens. Your mental health moving forward is largely dependent on when and how completely you accept this fact.

rapeprevention

How can I lower my risk of sexual assault?
This is information is modified from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Crime Prevention Council. Here are actions you can take to lower your risk of sexual assault. Being prepared to recognize signs and take action is not the same as living in fear or being paranoid. Forewarned is forearmed.
In general
• First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. Learn to survey your environment as a prelude to avoiding dangerous situations.
• If any circumstance presents that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave. Hone and trust your instincts.
• Be assertive about your personal space. Make it clear that there are limits that are not to be violated. Your first concern shouldn’t be how these boundaries make you look, but your safety.
• Carry your preferred method of protection. Be skilled in your choice and avoid options that can easily be used against you.
At home
• Lock your doors and your windows, even if you’re gone for just a few minutes. The appearance of unforced entry only confuses matters if you’re trying to prosecute an attacker.
• Never prop open self-locking doors.
• Use door guards, including security door chains and partial door stops.
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Use the door’s peephole to view your visitors.
Out and about
• Walk with confidence. This promotes strength.
• When it comes to using alcohol, know your limits and stick to them.
• Avoid isolated areas such as underground garages, offices after business hours and apartment laundry rooms, especially if you’re alone.
• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route and routine. Exercise and rest in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
Near your car
• Lock your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a few moments. You don’t want to return to find someone hiding in your back seat.
• Have your key ready to use before you reach your car.
• Get a key with an alarm button. Make sure the battery is always strong and the alarm functioning.
• Watch your car keys and don’t put your name and address on the key ring.
• Park in brightly lit areas that are away from wooded or other areas that could easily disguise danger.
• Drive on well-traveled roads and maintain high levels of fuel in your car. Keep your doors and windows locked while driving.
• Fuel your vehicle during the day.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker.
• If you experience car trouble, stay in your vehicle and call for help on your cellular phone. If you don’t have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors and place a banners in scattered sites that say, “Help. Call police.”

date_rape_psa_photo

Prevention in these matters is the smart thing to do. Your best chance to avoid sexual assault is to avoid being places in which a higher risk of assault exists. Good luck.

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA). Enjoy some of our favorite posts and frequently asked questions as well as a daily note explaining the benefits of SMA membership. Please share our page with your Friends on WordPress, on Facebook at SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Sexual Assault (Rape) and What To Do If You're a Victim

Infectious Disease, Public Health, Trauma, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , ,

Sexualviolence

In this series on sexual assault (aka sexual violence, rape), I’m going to lean on best practices largely provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. This topic is sensitive enough that nothing needs to be interpreted as subjective.

  • This Straight, No Chaser will address the definition and scope of sexual assault, including actions to take if you’re a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss concrete physical and mental consequences of sexual assault and steps you can take to lower your risk of sexual assault.
  • Another post will discuss signs of sexual assault in children.

The scope of sexual assault is so vast that it’s surprising more isn’t being done to prevent it. Can you imagine the fervor we’d have if 20% of the population had cancer?

  • Nearly 20% (1 in 5) women have been victims of sexual violence at some time in their lives. The rate for men in 1 in 71.
  • It is estimated that 20-25% of college women in the U.S. have experience a rape or rape attempt while in college.
  • When surveyed, 8% of high school students report having been forced to have sex.

These self-reported numbers are generally accepted as underestimates. The stigma, shame, fear of repercussions and unlikelihood of successful prosecution deter many victims of sexual violence from reporting abuse.

 Sexualassaultdef

Is sexual assault as simple as you know it when you see it (figuratively)? Sexual assault and abuse are any sexual activities that you do not agree to, including …

  • Any inappropriate touching of another’s sexual organs
  • Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration and intercourse regardless of “no” or without expressed consent
  • Rape or attempted rape
  • Child molestation

The scope of sexual assault also includes any inappropriate verbalizations or viewing of another person– basically anything that engages another to participate in unwanted sexual contact or attention. The following are included:

  • Voyeurism (someone unknowingly viewing your private sexual acts)
  • Exhibitionism (someone exposes him/herself to you in public)
  • Incest (sexual contact between family members)
  • Sexual harassment

 sexual_assaulthelp

If you are the victim of sexual assault, there are important steps to take immediately:

  • First, get away from the attacker to a safe place as fast as you can.
  • Next, call 911 or the police or go to the emergency room where the staff can call the police and/or arrange for you to file a police report should you so desire.
  • Call a friend or family member you trust.
  • Call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor if you are experiencing feelings of fear, shame or guilt, all of which are normal after an assault. Emergency room staff will also be able to connect you to a local rape crisis center.
  • Although the urge will be overwhelming to do so, do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Do not change clothes, touch or change anything at the site where the assault occurred. The entirety of your current state is needed evidence, and the emergency room or other hospital staff will need to collect evidence. The evidence obtained from you using a rape kit will include fibers, hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing that the attacker may have left behind.
  • Go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. You will need to be examined, treated for any injuries and screened for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or pregnancy.

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Help is available but only if you ask. Here is information on services available to you.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TDD)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

You will also have access to many local resources through your emergency room or police department. The important point is to get to safety and to help.
Feel free to ask any questions you make have on this topic.

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA). Enjoy some of our favorite posts and frequently asked questions as well as a daily note explaining the benefits of SMA membership. Please share our page with your Friends on WordPress, on Facebook at SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress