What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a general term that includes any forced or unwanted sexual activity, including rape, incest, sexual abuse, and molestation. Sexual assault includes any forced or unwanted touching of an intimate part of the body, such as breasts, buttocks, or genitals.
Rape, a specific type of sexual assault, involves any forced, manipulated, or coerced penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth, by a penis or other object. Sexual assault/rape is not a crime of passion but a crime of violence, using sex as a weapon to overpower and to degrade the victim. A rapist can be a stranger or someone the victim knows including a spouse, date, or family member.
Have you or someone you know been Raped/Sexually Assaulted?
All services are FREE and Confidential with the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center.
If the rape/sexual assault happened within the past 72 hours
- If the sexual assault just happened, do not shower, eat or drink, brush teeth, or change clothes.
- Seek medical attention immediately (you can remain anonymous).
- A sexual assault forensic exam can be done up to 72 hours and longer in some situations.
If the victim is under 18 years old
- All adults in the state of Idaho are mandated reporters. Any abuse of a minor including sexual abuse/assault MUST be reported to law enforcement.
- Medical attention is recommended.
Sexual abuse of a child means ANY sexual contact by an adult with a child including but not limited to:
- Sexual touching
- Penetration, anal or vaginal
- Oral copulation
- Viewing of pornography with an adult
- Kissing
A child is anyone under the age of 18. Consent can be given by minors who are 16; however, there CANNOT be more than a three year age difference.
If you or a friend has never told anyone about the assault
It is important for any survivor of sexual abuse, assault, and rape to talk to someone who specializes in this type of abuse. Freedom from the abuse can be accomplished through counseling and support. North Idaho Violence Prevention Center offers FREE counseling and support.
Emotional symptoms of rape/sexual assault/abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse issues
- Suicide attempts or thoughts of harming oneself
- Insomnia
- Self-blame and self-doubt
- Fear of others
- Fear of leaving the house or being in public
- Flashbacks
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Feelings of being numb
What is a sexual assault advocate
- An advocate is a support person
Advocates provide help with the following:
- Criminal justice support and information
- Liaison between different agencies
- Filling out compensation forms and help with legal paperwork (NOT legal advice)
- Support and accompaniment with any medical visits or sexual assault forensic exam
- Crisis intervention
- Overall support (defined by the survivor’s needs)
What is a SANE/SART nurse
- SANE stands for sexual assault nurse examiner. These are specially trained nurses who will perform the sexual assault forensic exam.
- SART stands for sexual assault response team. Medical professionals, advocates, and law enforcement are all part of this specialized team trained to handle all forms of sexual assault.
What is a sexual assault examination kit
The sexual assault examination kit is an evidence collection kit. Only evidence relevant to the crime is collected and only evidence the victim is comfortable with being collected. The exam takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Secondary victimization
Anyone who loves or knows someone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault/abuse is considered a secondary victim. As a secondary victim, you too can suffer from similar emotional symptoms as the victim/survivor. We offer the same services to secondary victims, also FREE and Confidential.
Sexual Assault Information and Links:
Idaho Statues on Domestic Violence
Child victims (Sexual Assault)
Child victims (Child Abuse)
Stalking - The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Stalking - The National Center for Victims of Crime
Human trafficking - FBI Resource
Male victims - The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Individuals with disabilities and sexual assault - The National Center for Victims of Crime
Sexual assault and Indian Country