Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Elkhart County

Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

"Sexual assault" is a general term which includes rape, incest, child molestation, marital rape, sexual harassment, sodomy, sexual abuse, voyeurism and indecent exposure. Sexual assault takes away a person's control over her/his own body. It takes away a person's most basic freedom--freedom of choice. The level of violence varies from case to case, but the effects are similar on people who have been victimized. Sexual assault is a crime, an act of violence where sex is used as a weapon. Sexual assault is not limited to just stranger rape. Statistics state that sexual assault is more likely to be acted out by someone the victim knows. Sexual Assault often occurs on a "date". If you said "no" and the person you are with continues to force you to have sex, you have been sexually assaulted. Sexual assault is never the victims fault. The first step in recovery is to know the facts and the truth about sexual assault.

Download the Sexual Assault Information sheet.

Facts and Myths

Myth: Rape is Sex
Fact: Rape is experienced by the victims as an act of violence. One out of every 8 adult women has been a victim of forcible rape.

Myth: Women incite men to rape.
FACT: Research has found that the vast majority of rapes are planned. Rape is the responsibility of the rapist alone. Opportunity is the most important factor in determining when a given rapist will rape.

Myth: Victims should be discouraged from dwelling on the rape. They should "forget it."
Fact: Victims who are not allowed to talk about the rape have a much more difficult time .

Myth: Sexual assaults are rare and effect few people.
Fact: Sexual assault are very common. Most likely, someone close to you has been profoundly effected by sexual assault.

Checklist for Survivors

Rape and sexual assault can cause significant trauma and disrupt your physical and emotional health. Your recovery path will take many stages, but the important thing is to take care of yourself.
Seek medical attention. Do not shower, bathe, douche or change clothes. It is important to preserve all physical evidence. Medical attention will help your immediate physical health, and may prevent further damage to your health. Concerns for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV are very important. Going to the hospital emergency room can have the costs for treatment paid for by the state crime fund if a police report is filed.
File police report. By reporting, you may be eligible for crime victim compensation that might pay for medical costs and some counseling.
Contact a rape crisis counselor who can help you through this emotionally and physical assault. You may not feel the way you did before the assault--physically, emotional, socially or sexually. Get help.
Emotional Recovery:

Sexual assault is a crisis, and we all handle crisis in different ways. The emotional reaction to sexual assault can be complex and often confusing. You may have several different reactions and feelings to the assault. Some of the effects of the sexual assault on victims may be: guilt and self-blame, shame and embarrassment, powerless, helpless, out of control feeling, fear, anger, betrayal and denial or wanting to forget. You might experience trouble breathing, anxiety attacks, trouble sleeping, depression and anxiety. It is important to remember that it was not your fault. No one asks to be sexually assaulted. Recovery takes time, but is greatly enhanced by support and knowledgeable sources.

Resources For Sexual Assault

Police Agencies

Support Groups

If you have been sexually assaulted:

Goshen College Clothesline project empowers victims of violence.