Sexual assault can happen to anyone

Middle Way House of Greene County, the local chapter of CARE (Communities Against Rape Initiative) and the Greene County Sexual Assault Task Force have been trying to get the word out about the realities of sexual assault.

Nationwide, April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Christa Turpin of Middle Way is encouraging individuals to educate themselves about the myths and realities surrounding sexual assault.

"Understanding and becoming aware about the danger of sexual assault should not make you fearful. True awareness means understanding the reality of sexual violence in our society. Being aware empowers us to take preventative steps and reduce the risk of sexual assault in our lives," said Turpin.

A 24-hour crisis line is available through Middle Way House (812) 336-0846 or they can also call the local office of Middle Way at 384-8769. All calls are confidential.

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network estimates that 1 in 6 women will be a victim of sexual assault in her lifetime. Although this statistic is familiar to most people, few understand it as a reality in their lives.

"We are surrounded by myths like 'It won't happen to me' or 'I'm not that type of person,' when in reality, evidence suggests we are all equally vulnerable. Understanding the truth about sexual assault makes us more aware and reduces our risk of becoming a victim," said Turpin.

Here are some common myths associated with sexual assault, followed by a dose of reality.

Myth No. 1: Only certain types of women are sexually assaulted. Reality: Assailants do not discriminate based on race, age, religion, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, professional background or appearance. Women of every background, in every situation, have been victims of sexual assault. New Mindset: Awareness leads to prevention. As a woman, be aware that you, or anyone you know, could be a victim of sexual assault. Your awareness of this fact will lead you to take life-saving preventative measures.

Myth No. 2: There's no way I could be sexually assaulted. I don't walk down dark alleys. Reality: 50% of these attacks occur in the victim or the assailant's home. New Mindset: Whether you are walking in a familiar or unfamiliar place, or spending time at home, be aware of others' behavior and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to express this and leave the situation.

Myth No. 3: I know I'm safe because I only go out drinking with my friends. Reality: Most victims of sexual assault know their attackers either intimately or as acquaintances. 50% of reported sexual assault cases involved alcohol on the part of the victim or assailant. Additionally, 73% of rapists know their victims. We are not always safe when drinking, and friends and acquaintances could be potentially dangerous. New Mindset: Even though we live in a society that condones and often encourages alcohol consumption, we cannot ignore or reject the danger associated with the substance. Regardless of how long or how well you know a person, be conscious and aware of your boundaries when you chose to drink around others. Drink in moderation, ensure that you have a safe way home, and trust your instincts. If you are uncomfortable with someone's behavior, leave the situation immediately.

Myth No. 4: If she was drunk, don't you think it was her fault? Reality: Sex should always be a consensual act, regardless of the amount of alcohol or drug consumed. Sexual assault is any sexual contact that an individual did not consent to. If a woman or man's judgment has been impaired to the extent that he or she cannot offer consent, then any action taken constitutes assault. New Mindset: Sexual assault is never your fault. However, you can do your part to reduce your risk of assault. And again, if you are going to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Always identify a friend you trust to buddy with so that you can keep tabs on one another throughout the night, and bring extra money for a cab, so you always have a ride home.

Myth No. 5: Date rape drugs are only common in big university towns like Bloomington. Reality: Our Middle Way staff in Greene, Owen and Martin counties are now receiving reports about the use or attempted use of date rape drugs. These drugs are odorless, colorless and tasteless and can easily be slipped in to beverages of any kind. New Mindset: Again, while sexual assault is never your fault, you can do your part to reduce your risk of assault. Always keep your beverage covered, and be aware of your surroundings. If you notice your or a friend's judgment is suddenly impaired, seek out a trusted friend and explain the situation.

Myth No. 6: You can easily identify a rapist when you see one. Reality: Rapists live normal lives. They often have families, children, steady jobs, or are upstanding students. While a small percentage of offenders demonstrate psychotic behavior, the majority are sane and behave normally. New Mindset: Being aware does not mean living in fear. Simply be vigilant of your surroundings, and do not make exceptions for people based on their appearance. Staying alert and trusting your instincts can prevent you from being surprised by someone's actions.

Myth No. 7: Men are never victims of sexual assault. Reality: Regardless of sexual orientation, at least one in ten men reports being sexually assaulted, usually by a heterosexual male. Hate crimes against homosexual men often involves sexual assault as well. New Mindset: Again, awareness leads to prevention. As a man, be aware that you, or any other man you know, could be a victim of sexual assault. The more open and honest we are about the possibility of men being victims of sexual assault, the easier it will be for men to prevent, report and recover from this crime.

Myth No. 8: Fighting back will only end up hurting you more. Reality: Assailants often observe the behavior of potential victims before they attack. They typically target individuals whose judgment seems impaired or who seem as though they will not fight back. Recent "rape avoidance" studies suggest that retaliating physically or verbally may decrease the amount of injury during a sexual assault. Additionally they report that women who are more prepared when they understand multiple methods, physical and verbal, of dealing with an attack. Ultimately, the best course of action in any situation can only be determined by person coping with it. New Mindset: Self-defense classes and a willingness to respond verbally to behavior which makes you uncomfortable can reduce your risk of assault. You should understand that only the person present at the time of the attack is capable of assessing how to best deal with the situation. However, regardless of whether you use them, strategies for avoiding sexual assault can raise one's confidence and self-reliance.