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Sexual Health Information |
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What?
Sexual assault is any kind of sexual activity that a person does not consent to. It can range from an unwanted kiss to forced intercourse.
Most of the time, sexual assault is committed by young men assaulting women. There are also men who force other men, and women who force other women. There are also cases where a woman sexually assaults a man.
Sexual assault is a crime, punishable by law.
Date Rape
The most common form of sexual assault is date rape. Usually, the victim of a sexual assault knows the assailant. Date rape is not reported very often.
Acquaintance Rape
Acquaintance rape can happen when two people have just met or with a couple who has been dating for a while. They may end up in a sexual situation where one person doesn't understand or refuses to accept the other person's "NO". Most of these assaults are not reported.
Reasons why sexual assault may not be reported:
- A woman who has been sexually assaulted in a dating situation will often blame herself for what happened. She feels could have prevented it by behaving differently, not drinking, or not being alone with her date.
- The belief that the court system does not work well for victims of sexual assault. In reality, the rate of conviction is very low. Sometimes, police won't even lay a charge.
For these reasons, a woman who has been sexually assaulted may not get the help she needs.
What to do?
For Women:
A woman who has been sexually assaulted needs help. It doesn't matter whether or not forced intercourse took place; she needs help.
People who are assaulted often feel guilty, ashamed, dirty, scared, upset or angry. They also blame themselves. A sexual assault can change a person's whole life and affect the people who love them.
A Sexual Assault Care Centre will provide:
- Emergency Contraception (if a woman was vaginally raped and no condom was used)
- Immunization against Hepatitis B
- Testing and treatment for specific Sexually Transmitted Infections (testing for HIV has to be done 3 months after the assault)
- Opportunity to discuss reporting the assault (reporting to police is a woman's choice)
- Counselling
If a young adolescent is sexually assaulted, they will probably be taken to a Children's hospital and the case reported to a Children's Aid Society.
For Men:
A man who has been sexually assaulted needs help. It doesn't matter whether or not forced intercourse took place; he needs help.
People who are assaulted often feel guilty, ashamed, dirty, scared, upset or angry. They also blame themselves. A sexual assault can change a person's whole life and affect the people who love them.
Unfortunately, there are fewer resources for men who have been sexually assaulted by other men. Like women who have been sexually assaulted, they need to be examined and tested for STIs. In terms of counselling, there are few places men can go. Men can suffer for years after an assault. It can affect every aspect of their lives.
If a young adolescent is sexually assaulted, they will probably be taken to a Children's hospital and the case reported to a Children's Aid Society.
Prevention?
Is there any way to prevent sexual assault? Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing a person can do to prevent a sexual assault. There are many things that we can do as a society, including educating people about healthy sexuality.
Assault by a stranger (20% of sexual assault cases):
- People can try their best to use common sense to stay away from potentially dangerous situations but because a stranger may force his way into a home or assault someone in the street in broad daylight, it is important not to blame yourself: you did not commit the crime.
Acquaintance/date rape:
- There is no profile of an offender, but women can avoid:
- Men who are disrespectful
- Men who have a negative attitude to women
- Men who make women feel physically uncomfortable
- Men who are possessive or jealous
- Women need to have some idea of how far they want to go sexually with a particular man. Women who are sexually abused as children are higher risk. Now it is a good time to deal with former abuse with counselling. Women with disabilities are at higher risk. Now it is a good time to learn wen-do designed especially for women with physical disabilities.
General suggestions:
People can take self-defense courses. This may help develop assertiveness and confidence that could be helpful in certain situations.
It is important to have a plan when going to parties or events. This would include not being left alone by friends. Don't leave your drink unattended. Unfortunately, date rape drugs are sometimes used. Limit the amount of substances you use at a party.
For more information:
AIDS and Sexual Health InfoLine
1-800-668-2437
Toronto Health Connection 416-338-7600
Web Links
Links to sites outside the City of Toronto website are provided for convenience and additional general information only. Toronto Public Health does not endorse any advertisements and is not responsible for the content and opinions found on external sites.
The information posted on this site, as well as linked sites, is not a substitute for a
professional medical opinion.
Links to information on sexual assault and abuse:
Scarborough Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre, Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division, Toronto, Canada
A comprehensive care centre, providing information, emergency treatment and emotional support for those who have experienced sexual assault.
National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
A national resource centre for all Canadians seeking information about violence within the family and looking for new resources
Education Wife Assault
This website informs and educates about the issue of wife assault/woman abuse
Assaulted Women's Helpline, Toronto, Canada
The Assaulted Women's Helpline provides a 24-hour crisis line for women. It allows women to reach out for help, assured of their anonymity and confidentiality.
Calgary Health Region - Abuse and Assault
This website provides information on issues of abuse,
assault and violence, with links to Health Canada
(National Clearinghouse on Family Violence) website
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
This website provides antioppressive, multicultural peer support to survivors of sexual violence through support, education and activism.
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