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<DIV align=center><FONT color=#000080><FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=6><STRONG>THE ISSUE</STRONG><BR></FONT><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana><U><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=4 HREF="#def">Definitions</A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#risk"><FONT color=#f86707>Risk</FONT><FONT color=#800080> Reduction</FONT></A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#prim"><FONT color=#800080>Primary Prevention</FONT></A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#what"><FONT color=#f86707>What to do if you have been assaulted</FONT></A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#stat"><FONT color=#f86707>Statistics</FONT></A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#int"><FONT color=#f86707>Internet Safety</FONT></A><BR><A href="/secure/eeducation.aspx#myst"><FONT color=#f86707>Myths and Facts</FONT></A><BR></FONT></STRONG></U><BR><FONT size=2>The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center aims to educate and prevent all forms of sexual violence, which exist on a continuum, ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault. While they differ legally, both sexual harassment and sexual assault are acts of violence, used to overpower, control and humiliate someone. Sexual harassment cases are civil, meaning the offender can be held accountable by his/her school or workplace, and can be sued by the victim. Sexual Assault cases are criminal, meaning the offender can be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned if found guilty.<BR></FONT><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#f80707><FONT color=#9acd32 size=6><IMG src="/secure/images/cont1.gif"></FONT><BR></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV><DIV align=center><FONT color=#000080><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#f80707><BR></FONT><FONT color=#f86707 size=4><STRONG><U><A name=def>Definitions</A></U></STRONG></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV><DIV align=center><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#000080 size=1>The definitions listed below are general definitions; legal definitions differ from state to state. </FONT></FONT></DIV><DIV align=center><FONT color=#000080><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#000080 size=1> If you need a more specific definition, please feel free to <U><A href="mailto:klincoln@sacec-ct.org">contact us</A></U>.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><BR><BR><FONT color=#000080><U><STRONG>Sexual harassment<BR></STRONG></U></FONT><FONT size=2>Refers to any unwanted and repeated* attention that is sexual in nature. Legally, it is "conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance, or creating an intimidating hostile or offensive working [and learning] environment".</FONT><BR><BR><FONT size=2>             There are four types of sexual harassment                                          </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1><FONT size=1></FONT> </DIV></FONT><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                         -verbal<BR>                         -non-verbal<BR>                         -written<BR>                         -physical</FONT></DIV><FONT size=2><DIV align=left><BR></FONT><FONT size=1>*Physical sexual harassment does not need to be repeated. It only has to happen once. Likewise, if any non-physical sexual harassment is considered severe enough, it may be dealt with after only one incident. <BR></FONT><FONT size=2><BR></FONT><U><STRONG>Rape</STRONG></U></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Rape is any type of forced penetration.  Rape is not a crime of passion; it is one of power and control that involves any kind of force including coercion, manipulation, and threats.  Penetration can be with <U>any</U> object and can be vaginal, oral or anal. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Men and women can be raped.</FONT></DIV><FONT size=2><DIV align=left><BR>            There a several social terms to describe different forms of rape:</DIV><DIV align=left><BR>                    -<STRONG>Acquaintance Rape-</STRONG><FONT size=1>perpetrator is known by the victim/survivor.<BR></FONT>                    -<STRONG>Spousal Rape-</STRONG><FONT size=1>perpetrator and victim/survivor are married.<BR></FONT>                    -<STRONG>Date Rape-</STRONG><FONT size=1>perpetrator and victim are in a dating situation.<BR></FONT>                    -<STRONG>Cohabitating Rape-</STRONG><FONT size=1>perpetrator and victim are roommates.<BR></FONT>                    -<STRONG>Gang Rape-</STRONG> <FONT size=1>rape committed by 2 or more perpetrators.</FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                    -<STRONG>Statutory Rape-</STRONG></FONT><FONT size=1>This is a social definition for sexual </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1>                           intercourse that involves someone under the legal</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1>                          age of consent (16 years old in CT, but differs by state.)</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><U>Child Sexual Assault-</U></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Child sexual assault is when a child is forced, tricked, or intimidated by an adult into any kind of sexual activity.   This can include (but not be limited to) exposure to pornography, fondling, sexual intercourse. </FONT></DIV><STRONG><U></U></STRONG><DIV align=left><BR><U><STRONG>Incest-</STRONG></U></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=4><FONT size=2>sexual relations ranging from fondling to intercourse by family members. The offenders are usually in positions of authority and/or trust.</FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=center><FONT color=#f86707 size=4><U><STRONG>Risk Reduction<BR></STRONG></U></FONT><BR></DIV><DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT size=2>Sexual assault is never the victim’s choice: it is always the decision of the perpetrator. Therefore, a sexual assault victim should never be blamed for his/her assault. However, there are certain strategies one can adopt that can help to reduce one’s risk of being in a potentially dangerous situation.<BR></FONT><BR><FONT size=2>               -Be aware that the more you drink or take drugs, </FONT></DIV><DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT size=2>                the less capable you are to judge possibly dangerous situations.</FONT></DIV><BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>       -If you are alone with a person you do not know that well,</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>        let someone know where and with whom you are going. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><BR><FONT size=2>       -Meet up with new people in a group and in a public place.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><BR><FONT size=2>       -Be aware of a person who insists the two of you be alone, and/or   </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>        someone who pressures you to use drugs.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>       -When at parties or bars, never leave your drink unattended, </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>         and if you do, get a new one. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><BR><FONT size=2>       -Do not take drinks from punch bowls or from people you do not know.</FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE><P><STRONG><FONT size=2><EM><DIV align=center>If you believe someone you or someone you know has been</EM></FONT><FONT size=2><EM> date rape drugged, call 911 immediately and if possible, </EM></FONT><FONT size=2><EM>bring the drink with you to the hospital.</EM></FONT></STRONG></DIV><P> </P><P><DIV align=center><FONT color=#f86707 size=4><STRONG><U>Primary Prevention</U></STRONG></DIV></FONT><P></P><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>For over 25 years, the Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center has been supporting, counseling and advocating for primary and secondary victims of sexual assault. Yet, in order to put an end to sexual violence, we must identify what behaviors constitute sexual assault and how to avoid them, so that we can limit and prevent sexual violence from occurring. Educating the public on its legal responsibilities when it comes to consensual sexual activities is just as important as educating the public on its legal rights. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Sexual assault is an act of violence that is very terrifying for the victim, whether the victim is a man, woman, adult or child, with long lasting emotional, physical and social effects. Victims, their families and their loved ones may face years of secrecy, lowered self-esteem, health problems and troubles in their current or future relationships. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Sexual violence affects our society as a whole, as social problems such as drug and alcohol use, suicide, eating disorders, depression, and prostitution all have links to sexual assault. In order to prevent oneself from perpetrating sexual assault on another person, one must understand that any forced sexual activity, regardless of the relationship between the parties, is sexual assault. In order for sexual activity to be legal, it must be consensual by all participants, without the use of or threat of force, manipulation or coercion. If someone is under the age of 16 (in CT), is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is unconscious or is developmentally delayed, he/she cannot give his/her legal consent to sexual activity, even if he/she says "yes". In all other cases, if someone does not give a clear "yes", or is forced, tricked, threatened or manipulated into giving consent, legal consent has not been given.</FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=center><STRONG><U><FONT color=#f86707 size=4>What To Do If you have been sexually assaulted:</FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV><DIV align=center><FONT size=1>More information on our <U><A href="/survive.aspx">Survivor's Page</A></U></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Think about taking to someone you trust. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to react, and you may be feeling anger, confusion, frustration, and/or guilt. Talking to someone, such as a friend, family member, teacher or counselor may help. Seek medical attention, and if possible, within 72 hours of the assault. If you wish to have an evidence collection exam done, do not shower or change clothes after the assault. Hospital personnel can give you information and options for treatment for possible pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections. A sexual assault crisis counselor can meet you there to help you get through the process. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><STRONG>Never forget, <U>THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT.</U> A sexual assault victim is never to blame for an assault, no matter how much he/she drank, what he/she wore, or where he/she went. A sexual assault is always the decision of the perpetrator. </STRONG></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Think about calling a Sexual Assault Crisis Center. A sexual assault crisis counselor can give you the information you need, and can counsel you through this process. The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center can be there to assist you every step of the way, whether it is through our 24-hour hotline, at the hospital, at the police station or in the courtroom.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=center><STRONG><U><FONT color=#f86707 size=4>Statistics</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG> National:</STRONG> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                       -Only 10% of all sexual assaults are reported to the police, </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        whether the victim is a child or an adult.<BR><BR>                       -75% of adults and 90% of children who have been sexually </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        assaulted know their offender.<BR><BR>                       -By their 16th birthday, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        have been sexually assaulted.<BR><BR>                       -Of all sexual assaults reported to the police each year, </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        only 2-5% are false claims. This false reporting rate is</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        consistent with the false reporting rates of all other major crimes.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG>State:</STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>                 <FONT size=2>   -19% of Connecticut residents have experienced  </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                         sexual assault in their lifetime. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        -14% of Connecticut residents have experienced childhood</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                          sexual assault in their lifetime.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        -Only 16% of rapes were reported to the police.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                        - 26% of female Connecticut residents were sexual assault</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                          survivors and had experienced one or more types of sexual</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>                          assault(forced contact, attempted and completed intercourse.)</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG>Local:</STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>         During the 2003-2004 fiscal year (July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004) SACEC  </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>         provided crisis intervention, counseling and support to 726 new clients </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>         throughout the eight towns of lower Fairfield County.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left>    <FONT size=2>    During the same period (July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004) SACEC educated  </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>         6871 community members.</FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=center><STRONG><U><FONT color=#f86707 size=4>Internet Safety</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>With the rapid exponential growth of the Internet in the last decade, it becomes more and more important that we ensure our children and teenagers are taking all the precautions to enjoy the Internet’s benefits safely. While the Internet is an invaluable tool, it also presents certain dangers that we all must be aware of.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><FONT size=3><STRONG>For Parents:</STRONG></FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><STRONG>Keep your home computer in a common area</STRONG> <FONT size=1>(family room, kitchen, den, etc.)</FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1>The less you are around your child while he/she is using the computer, the less you can monitor what he/she is doing on the computer. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><STRONG>Teach your child not to give out any personal information over the computer</STRONG> <FONT size=1>(i.e., name, address, age, school, grade, Family’s names, phone numbers, etc.)</FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><STRONG>Tell child to NEVER to meet up with someone he/she has met over the Internet.</STRONG> <FONT size=1>If he/she wants to meet up with someone over the Internet, make sure you go with your child, and meet in a public place.</FONT> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=center><FONT size=2><STRONG>Remember, the more you knowledge you have about your computer and the Internet, the better prepared you are to ensure your child is using the Internet safely. </STRONG></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2><STRONG><U><FONT size=3>For Children and Teenagers:</FONT></U></STRONG> </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-NEVER give out your personal information online, especially in a chat room. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1>  (This includes your name, address, telephone number, school, age, grade, parents’</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=1>  names or anything that could help someone find you.)</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-Remember, strangers online are the same as strangers in person, and</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> just because you cannot see them does not mean it is okay to share </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> information about yourself. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-If someone is harassing you or making you feel uncomfortable, whether you </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> know them or not, stop talking to them, print out what they have </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> written, sign off and tell an adult what has happened. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-Remember, you can block an unwanted person’s email address and screen name. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-Never harass someone online, or say inappropriate things. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-Never type something that you would not want printed out.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-NEVER meet someone in person that you talk to online. Even if you have been </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> talking to someone online and you feel like you know them really well, it can be </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> very dangerous.</FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>-If you ever meet up with someone you met online, ALWAYS bring a parent with </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2> you and do so in a public place. </FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=center><FONT color=#f86707 size=4><STRONG><U>Myths and Facts</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT color=#f86707><STRONG>Myth </STRONG></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left><FONT size=2>Only females can be sexually assaulted.</FONT></DIV><FONT size=2><DIV align=left><BR><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Fact</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>Both males and females are sexually assaulted everyday. Men have just as much a right as woman to say no to any sexual activity they do not want, and if they are forced, they have been sexually assaulted.</DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707><FONT size=3>Myth</FONT><BR></FONT></STRONG>Victims who do not physically resist sexual assault really wanted it to happen, or are to blame for their sexual assault.</DIV><DIV align=left><BR><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Fact</FONT></STRONG><BR>During a sexual assault, most victims are in fear for their lives, or are in fear of being hurt even more. Victims make the best decisions they can in order to preserve their safety, and if a victim does not fight back, it does not change that the perpetrator is at fault for the sexual assault. </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Myth</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>When someone says "no", they really mean, "yes". </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><FONT color=#f86707 size=3><STRONG>Fact</STRONG></FONT></DIV><DIV align=left>Any "no", whether it’s verbal or expressed through body language, MUST BE respected. If you are unsure, you must stop and ask. You cannot decide what another person wants to do sexually. </DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Myth</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>If someone is drunk, dressed provocatively, or is somewhere they should not have been and they are raped, they are to blame or "asked for it".</DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Fact</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>A victim of sexual assault is NEVER to blame, regardless of where he/she was, what he/she wore, or how much he/she drank. The only person to blame for a sexual assault is a perpetrator, and the only person who can prevent a sexual assault is a perpetrator, not a victim. No behavior ever justifies someone being sexually assaulted, and even if someone takes all precautionary measures, he/she is still not fully protected from being sexually assaulted.</DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Myth</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>Most people who say they were sexually assaulted really consented to sex, but regretted it later and called it rape.</DIV><DIV align=left> </DIV><DIV align=left><STRONG><FONT color=#f86707 size=3>Fact</FONT></STRONG></DIV><DIV align=left>The false reporting rate for sexual assault is 2-5%, the same as all other major crimes. It is much more likely for someone to have been sexually assaulted and never report it rather than make a false report.</FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>