About Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual assault is a problem rooted in the very fabric of our society, in how we learn to treat one another, and in what we learn to expect from our relationships, our families and our institutions. It is a crime of violence that affects women, men, and children. While rape is perpetrated mostly by men against women, anyone can be a victim or perpetrator - regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, education, race, socioeconomic background, or religion.

Rape and sexual assault have long been the "silent" crimes that few share with even family or friends. Ending these crimes requires that we address the root causes of the violence. Jane Doe Inc. and our member programs are committed to breaking the silence and dispelling the myths that deny victims the right to safety, justice, and healing. Together, we can bring about change and create a new social norm of total tolerance, emphasizing prevention and empowering every child, teen or adult who is violated or abused to speak up and be heard.

A complex set of social dynamics underlie rape. When a survivor shares that she or he has been sexually assaulted, it is important to understand the assault from within the context of the world of the survivor. This may include misogyny (woman-hating), discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status and class, educational background or aspirations, and relationships with significant others. These gender roles and stereotypes often lead to guilt, shame and self-blame by the victim of a sexual assault.

Far too often the burden is shifted to the victim. For instance, the reality of rape is obscured by questions such as:

• What was she wearing?
• Why was she there?
• Why didn't he complain earlier?
• How drunk were they?
• What did she do to provoke him?
• What is the motive to lie?

The sense of shame and guilt evoked by these questions and other myths about sexual assault can also lead survivors to feel completely alone and isolated after an attack.

We use the term survivor to emphasize the strength, resolve, determination, and intelligence that it takes to survive, not only a sexual assault, but also the disbelief, isolation, pain and numerous emotions and experiences that follow. While the healing process is often difficult, we believe that with support victims of sexual assault can become survivors.

Definition of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault and rape are crimes of violence and control, using sex acts as a weapon. Rape and sexual assault are not sexually motivated acts; rather, they stem from aggression, rage, sexism, and the determination to exercise power over someone else. Rape is also a legal term that is defined in Massachusetts by three elements: penetration of any orifice by any object; force or threat of force; against the will of the victim. Sexual assault is often more broadly defined as any sexual activity that is forced or coerced or unwanted.