Sexual assault nurse examiners: Attacking the stereotypes and bringing awareness hat is sexual assault? Who’s at risk? W
Most people believe they would know if they were sexually assaulted. Would you? The most basic definition is “any sexual contact forced on another person.” Understanding what this means is the first step in identifying if you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault. According to the US Dept. of Justice, sexual assault can include any involuntary sexual act including rape, groping, forced kissing, sexual abuse, or sexual torture.
Sexual assault knows no gender, race, age, or other demographic identifiers. While it is common knowledge that college-aged females are in a high risk category, they comprise less than one fifth of all sexual assault victims. One victim group most recently on the rise is the Elderly, both those living within nursing homes as well as those still living on their own. This can likely be attributed to ease of perpetrator access as well as vulnerability. Young men and children are two more groups that have had recent sexual assault report increases across the country. It is important to understand that just because someone doesn’t fit the stereotypical sexual assault victim does not mean that cannot be or have not been assaulted.
Be aware, be a voice, be a listener! In January 2015, New Mexico’s Governor Martinez implemented the sexual assault awareness campaign throughout NM called Start By Believing. This was a national campaign that began in 2011 and has now been adopted by four US states and 130 communities. The
Healthy Habits. Create a Healthy Lifestyle. ROSEMARY’S
Spices, Gourmet Salts, Spa Salts, Organic Cane Sugars, Capsules and Bulk Herbs, Gourmet and Healing Teas, Extracts, Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbs, Native Herbs, Cremes, Oils, and more... (575) 257-0333 • www.RosemarysHerbShop.com 1705 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345
22 2016 Lincoln County Health & Wellness Guide
Courtesy of wilx.com
following is the philosophy behind this campaign, which can be found at startbybelieving.org: There is no shame when your loved one dies. When your car is stolen. When you’re diagnosed with cancer. Friends and loved ones gather around you for support. They don’t blame you for “bringing it on yourself.” It should be the same with sexual violence. But all too often, survivors who have the courage to tell someone what happened are blamed for bringing it on themselves. This needs to change. Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign designed to change the way we respond to rape and sexual assault in our communities. The Otero/Lincoln County S.A.N.E. program is here to help. The SANE program offers medical examinations, forensic evidence collections, and STI-preventative treatments. SANE exams are bound by HIPAA privacy laws and are free to anyone and everyone. SANE does not discriminate against anyone at any time and insurance is never asked for. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please call our 24 hour Hotline at 575-430-9485.