Sexual assault can happen to both men and women of any age and includes groping and inappropriate touching; vaginal, anal, or oral penetration; rape and attempted rape; and child molestation. Sexual assault and abuse can also include more subtle actions, such as derogatory name-calling, refusal to use contraception, deliberately causing unwanted physical pain during sex, and deliberately passing on sexual diseases or infections.
Traditionally, rape was defined as the forceful act of sexual intercourse against a person's will or consent. However, some states have expanded the definition to include forcible sexual penetration, which includes sodomy and oral sex.
Experts offer the following suggestions to help protect against sexual assaults in a social or public setting:
• Limit your alcohol intake at clubs and parties.
• Park in well-lit areas. Walk to your car with a friend.
• Do not leave a social event with someone you have only just met.
• Always keep your car and home doors locked.
• Have your front door key ready as you approach your door.
• Be mindful of date rape drugs and never accept a drink from a stranger at a club.
• Trust your gut instinct; if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
But sexual assaults are not limited to attacks by strangers. A significant number of sexual assaults are perpetrated by acquaintances, current or former intimate partners, relatives, and family friends. It can also be your spouse, which is why marriage is no longer a shield for rape. However, enforcement of spousal rape is not always straightforward, and depending on where you live, victims often face additional legal hurdles to prosecution not present for other victims of rape.
For as severely traumatic rape by a stranger is, research suggests spousal or partner sexual abuse is even more emotionally and physically damaging. Rape by a stranger is a one-time event and is clearly understood by the victim and society as rape. Rape or sexual assault or abuse by a spouse or long-term sexual partner can be an ongoing trauma and is typically part of a greater pattern of family violence that includes other types of abuses. The victim may also feel less inclined to report the abuse either out of fear they won't be believed or that their children will be endangered.
Adult victims of sexual abuse can experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, including frequent nightmares, eating disorders, depression, severe anxiety, and inability to hold a job.
The single most important way to prevent sexual assault within an intimate relationship is to leave at the first sign of emotional or physical abuse. The following controlling behaviors are also red flags:
• degrading jokes or language
• insistence on making all of the "important" decisions about the relationship or date
• extreme jealousy, possessiveness
• strong belief in sex role stereotypes
• a history of violent behavior
There are many support groups for women leaving an unhealthy relationship or marriage, and contacting an attorney can facilitate filing a restraining order and taking other legal steps to help ensure your safety.
For more information, visit the CDC's guide on preventing sexual assault.

My name is Linda and I enjoy sharing information on topics that I find of interest to me! If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, do not bury it under the carpet, contact the authorities and have the assailant face sex crime charges. To learn more about preventing sexual

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8768348