Sexual Assault
Introduction:
Sexual assaults are among the ugliest and most devastating crimes. Rapists often threaten,
degrade, violate and criminally deprive victims of their basic human right to the
safety and sanctity of their person. Sexual assaults are also among the most underreported
crimes because of the victim's fear, shame and misunderstanding of their rights.
Sexual assault is a crime of violence. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of all sexual assaults involve the use of weapons, or the threat of violence or death. Rapists often look for potential victims who appear weak or vulnerable; however, anyone can be a victim of a sexual assault, regardless of behavior or appearance. Rape can happen to any person, anywhere or anytime. In a significant number of cases, the rapist is known to the victim.
Facts About Sexual Assault:
Some people believe that rapists are overcome with sexual desire, or that women "ask
for it" by the way they dress. Some people even believe that women want to be raped.
These ideas assume that rape is motivated by sexual desire. IT IS NOT. Rape is a violent
crime, a hostile act, and is motivated by the assailant's need to hurt and humiliate
the victim. It is about power. In California, any form of sexual conduct carried out
upon a person, against that person's will, is a crime. Rape, specifically, is defined
as "sexual intercourse, however slight, accomplished against the will of the victim".
Any sexual penetration, however slight , is sufficient to complete the crime of rape.
(Penal Code Sections 261and 263).
Reporting Sexual Assault:
As soon as convenient, the victim should report incidents of sexual assault, including
date or acquaintance rape to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, or Campus
Safety, or a College faculty or staff member who can aid in contacting the proper
authorities. The Counseling Department can also help in contacting the proper authorities.
If you have been raped:
Get to a safe place as soon as possible
Call a friend, family member, or Campus Safety for transportation to the hospital
Go to the hospital for external and internal injuries, pregnancy test, sexually transmitted
diseases, evidence collection and support services
Call a Rape Crisis Hotline for support and information
Important things to remember:
Do not shower, douche, bathe, or clean the area where the rape occurred, this could
destroy crucial evidence
Reporting the rape to the Police is your choice
Consider seeing a counselor; they are trained to assist you in your time of need
Do not feel ashamed, you are the victim and have done absolutely nothing wrong
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department will initiate criminal investigations for
any assault that occurred on campus. The victim will be given information on counseling
and support groups. The College also encourages persons reporting to seek the support
and assistance of friends or family when needed, in presenting their concerns.
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS:
Rape Crisis Center
1845 Chicago Ave., Suite "A"
Riverside, CA 92507
www.rarcc.org
Phone:(951) 686-7273
Phone:1-866-686-7273
Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
2587 S. San Jacinto Ave.,
San Jacinto, CA 92583
Phone: (951) 652-8300
Phone: 1-866-373-8300
Offering:
Individual Counseling
Support Groups
Self Defense
Child Prevention Programs
Community Education Programs