p. 48
sexual abuse – improper sexual behavior
someone takes advantage of another person against his/her will
victim feels powerless to avoid or stop the sexual abuse
Sexual Abuse includes: incest, sexual assault, sexual harassment & pornography
Preventing Sexual Abuse
Incest –
family member abuses another family member
Includes any form of sexual
activity between family members
Step relationships as well as biological relatives AND also by other people
They know
May begin with unnecessary fondling
Young people are afraid to say NO
Taught to listen to family members
Feel too afraid or ASHAMED
NOT AT FAULT FOR WHAT HAPPENED
p. 49
1. say NO in a firm voice
2. LEAVE if you possibly can
3. FIND AN ADULT and TELL what has HAPPENED
KEEP TALKING UNTIL YOU GET ACTION
When physical force or violence is used w/ sexual abuse
- called SEXUAL ASSAULT
RAPE:
Most rapes are committed by men
against women
Many victims are teenage girls
Men & boys can also be victims
Rape is not for sexual pleasure BUT is meant to hurt & humiliate the other person
Rapists often know their victims
WAYS
TEENAGERS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM RAPE.
1.
Say NO
2.
avoid going out at night alone
3.
keep car and house locked
4.
stay alert to surroundings
5.
try to get away, or yell for help (“fire”)
6.
tell someone you trust
if someone is acting in a
strange way –
they block
your way
get too close
stare
QUICKLY MOVE AWAY TOWARD OTHER
PEOPLE, LIGHTED AREAS & SAFETY
DATE RAPE:
Results from
unclear communication / mixed messages
Need to send clear messages both
verbally & physically!!!!!!!
You say NO but your actions says YES (continue kissing)
Need to clearly communicate your own limits for sexual behavior
STATUTORY RAPE:
Involves sexual behavior w/ a girl under a certain age even if she agrees to the activity (NJ – 3 years difference in age)
p. 50 Dealing with Sexual Harassment and
Pornography
Person
uses words to torment or threaten another person about sex
ILLEGAL
Both men & women have been convicted of this crime
Ex. Off colored jokes
Ultimatums
HAVE TO
1.
tell them you
will report them if they do not leave you alone
2.
avoid their
company
3.
tell a parent,
teacher, counselor or police
i.
affirmative
action officer
Sexual harassment can
harm a person’s mental health
lower his/her self-esteem
PORNOGRAPHY
Is a form of sexual exploitation
Definition:
Usually pictures or other
material used to cause excitement
Pornography gives false ideas & attitudes about sexual activities
Does not show loving, caring relationships.
p. 51 Coping with Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can sometimes be prevented
but sometimes the a person can not
escape the attacker
A victim of sexual abuse should not feel at fault because the victim
DID
NOTHING WRONG – the ABUSER DID!!!!!!
TPYES OF IMMEDIATE HELP:
Victims need medical care from the
hosp., emergency room or clinics
Victim
should not clean up first (can destroy evidence)
MD
gives medical care & can attest that sexual abuse occurred
Call police
Have the right to have a female officer as opposed to a man
Victims need to press charges so this does not happen to someone else
Get
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Counselors can help victims & their families cope
Gives
encouragement, understanding & friendship
To help the victims talk together about their
feelings