Sexual assault occurs when one person engages in sexual activity with another person, without the consent of the other individual. These acts can be a physical or verbal in nature. Sexual assault can be perpetrated in various ways – it can involve strangers or people who know one another, individuals or groups of people. Positions of authority, blackmail, weapons, or drugs may be used to encourage the submission of the victim. In cases such as sexual…
Reporting the rape: Whether you report the rape to the police is entirely up to you. Although this is the only way in which your rapist will be caught and prosecuted. It is best to report the rape/indecent assault as soon as possible (within the first 72 hours) as the police will need to collect evidence and you will need to undergo a medical examination. However, you can report a rape at any point –…
When a person is raped or sexually assaulted, his or her world is turned upside down. Not only has he or she been violated in the most intimate way possible, he or she has to heal from the assault. But…how? Society is still afraid to talk openly about a rape or sexual assault; people may not know how to approach the rape victim – afraid to say the wrong thing. Every person who has been…
It’s hard to admit it, but maybe teachers are on to something with midterm exams. Sure, many sleepless nights, empty coffee cups and gnawed pencils are often needed to pull off a good grade, but the test does serve a purpose. It gives you an idea of where you’re at in the class. November is when students write final exams, but we challenge you to test yourself anyway. Since the 25th of November is also…
In a healthy relationship, both partners are able to express their feelings and respect each other’s boundaries about sex. You shouldn’t have to have sex to keep your partner. You may feel comfortable kissing or holding hands but not want to go any further. That’s ok. Deciding whether you want to have sex or when you should is a decision you should make when it feels right for YOU. In a healthy relationship, your partner…
I need help and I need it now! Wherever you are, whatever the time of day, and however bad it is, there is someone to call. In this article: Emotional well being Children in crisis Women in crisis Alcohol and drug addiction Mental health, depression and anxiety Family and marriage Pregnancy, contraception, abortion Emotional well being LifeLine Southern Africa 24-hour crisis intervention service.”Emotional First Aid station”.Free, confidential telephone counselling, rape counselling, trauma counselling, Aids counselling,…
In footage posted on YouTube in January, an outraged young Indian woman wields a cellphone to film a middle-aged man she accuses of groping her – twice – between the seats on an IndiGo Airlines flight. ‘I’m videotaping you, mister!’ she tells him as he mumbles apologies. ‘If you ever do this again, you’ll remember this episode.’ Reports of harassment and rape of women are soaring, especially in countries with rapid social change such as…
Recognizing the Signs and Getting Out Safely While the majority of domestic violence victims are women, abuse of men happens far more often than you’d probably expect. Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to escape the violence or the relationship. An abused man faces a shortage of resources, skepticism from police, and major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an…
Protecting Yourself Before and After You Leave Getting out of an abusive or violent relationship isn’t easy. Maybe you’re still hoping that things will change or you’re afraid of what your partner will do if he discovers you’re trying to leave. Whatever your reasons, you probably feel trapped and helpless. But help is available. There are many resources available for abused and battered women, including crisis hotlines, shelters—even job training, legal services, and childcare. You…