Sexual assault is scary no matter how you slice it, but you can protect yourself and your loved ones by learning about common sexual assault misconceptions.
Missy Rittinger is the coordinator of the forensic nursing program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. She oversees the 21 registered nurses at St. Elizabeth who have completed specialized and clinical preparation in medical forensic care to become Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or SANE nurses.
SANE nurses care for patients of sexual assault by conducting a medical-forensic exam. This exam includes a complete head-to-toe assessment, documentation of the history of the assault, documentation of injury, prophylactic treatment and referrals. SANE nurses also serve as experts in the field of sexual assault when called to testify in a court of law.
How to protect yourself
Here, Rittinger outlines five things you may not know about sexual assault, but should:
1. Sexual assault can happen to you.
One of the biggest lessons Rittinger said she’s learned in her work as a SANE nurse is one most people just don’t believe.
“Anything can happen to anyone at anytime,” she said. “It can happen, and that’s a reality people need to remember.”
2. There isn’t a demographic more at risk for sexual assault than another.
Sexual assault isn’t limited to date rape, as many people believe, Rittinger said. It affects people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
3. Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in sexual assault.
Often, people think of “date rape” drugs such as GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) and Rohypnol (commonly known as “roofies”) when they think of sexual assault, but alcohol remains the primary drug perpetrators use in these types of crimes.
4. To get help, you don’t have to report to law enforcement first.
If you believe you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, go to the emergency room and talk with a nurse. They can help you learn what your options are.
Also, Rittinger said, you have up to 96 hours, or four days, after an assault to undergo an examination to look for forensic evidence. Some people believe it has to be done immediately.
“The most important thing is to seek some kind of help,” she said.
5. There is no perfect age to talk to your children about sexual assault.
Talking to your children about the dangers of sexual assault depends on your relationship with them, Rittinger said. There is no set age.
But talking to them about the dangers is important.
“Again, you have to get them in the mindset that this can happen to them,” she said.
When it comes to sexual assault, Rittinger said one of the best ways to protect yourself or your loved ones is to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
“Be aware of where you are and what you’re doing and who you’re doing it with,” she said. “Just be aware and take care of you. Know the risks and equip yourself with tools you can use in sticky situations. Education equals power.”
