Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes in which sexual contact is used as a weapon to dominate and humiliate the victim. About every 2 minutes 1 person become the victim of sexual assault. Despite popular belief that women are often assaulted by strangers, at least 70% of rape victims know their attackers. Sexual assault is not only a threat to women. Recent research found that 10% of rape victims are men.
These findings are especially troubling for teenagers because the risk for women rises between the ages of 16 and 19. Women of these ages are four times more likely than the overall population to be raped, attempted rape, or sexually assaulted.
What Is the Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault and rape are two criminal phrases that send chills down many people’s spines. Both behaviors are a violation of consent and might make it difficult for a victim to recover from trauma.
Here are some differences between them:
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault that encompasses any sexual act that is forced, controlled, or threatened. Rape victims may face significant consequences. They are more prone to:
- Depression is three times more probable.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder is six times more likely to occur.
- 13 times more likely to engage in alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse is 26 times more likely.
- Four times more likely to consider suicide
What Is the Sentence For Rape?
For rape, a defendant is typically sentenced to 4 to 19 years in prison. The duration of the sentence will be determined by the facts of the case.
Rape has a potential punishment of life in prison. Except in the most horrifying situations, a life sentence for rape is unlikely to guarantee that the abuser will spend the rest of their life in jail. If they are sentenced to life in prison, they will typically serve at least 15 years. The remainder of their life will be spent in the community on a lifetime license. This implies that if an offender commits another offense or violates the terms of their license, they might be recalled to prison.
Sexual Assault
Any inappropriate sexual contact or attention made through force, threats, bribery, manipulation, pressure, trickery, or violence is considered sexual assault. Rape, attempted rape, child molestation, incest, and sexual harassment are all examples of physical or non-physical abuse. Sexual assault in any form is a crime.
It can include:
- Actual or pressured physical force, coercion, intimidation, or threats
- Forced by the offender to watch inappropriate nude clips against the victim’s will
- Being touched against one’s will, regardless of whatever body parts are touched
What Is the Sentence for Sexual Assault?
A conviction for sexual assault and battery, in certain circumstances, might result in:
- 5 years in prison, less serious violations may result in up to 2.5 years in a correctional facility.
- 5 years in jail for indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, offenders might face up to 5 years in state prison.
- Between five and ten years in jail, abusive touching of a person with an intellectual handicap entails a minimum 5-year jail sentence and a maximum 10-year state prison sentence.
- 10 years in prison for sexual abuse of a person with permanent or long-term physical or mental disability, or indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, offender might face up to ten years in state prison.
- Life in prison. A further crime of sexual assault and battery on a minor under the age of 14 might result in a life term in prison.
Effects Of Rape and Sexual Assault
Survivors of sexual assault and rape may suffer incredibly challenging and unpleasant feelings and experiences. Every survivor reacts differently to catastrophic situations. Trauma can have short-term or long-term consequences following a sexual assault or rape.
Here are some common physical, emotional, and mental effects of it:
- Bruising
- Dislocated bones or joints
- It is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and uncontrolled thoughts.
- Depression is characterized by extended sorrow, feelings of hopelessness, inexplicable sobbing, weight loss or increase, and loss of energy or interest in previously loved activities.
- Suicidal ideation or attempt
- Dissociation includes the inability to focus on work or academics, as well as the inability to feel present in ordinary settings.
- Numbness
- Disorientation\Helplessness
- Feeling of vulnerability
- Fear
- Self-blame and remorse for “enabling” the crime to occur
How To Prevent Rape and Sexual Assault?
Anyone can become a victim of rape and sexual assault regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, social class, or sexual orientation. There is no such thing as a stereotyped victim or rapist. Remember one thing always it is never the victim’s fault. Here are some ways you can prevent rape and sexual assault:
Avoid Dangerous Situations:
Sexual assault may happen in any environment and is never your fault, no matter what. However, by adopting precautions such as traveling with a companion and avoiding alcohol and drugs, you may significantly lower your chances of being victimized.
Be Firm:
When dealing with someone who is sexually harassing you, be straightforward and strong. Tell a friend or partner what you want or don’t want and stick to your decision.
Go With Your Instincts:
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable in any situation either with your partner or with an acquaintance, get out of there in an instant and run for the nearest shelter like Shelter Home LLC. Don’t worry about that maybe you have misread the signals, you can always explain that later.
