Assault can happen–be aware, seek help Published Oct. 20, 2006 By Airmen Glenn Moore 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Sexual assault of adolescent and adult women has been called a silent epidemic, because it occurs at high rates yet is rarely reported to the authorities. Several reasons contribute to the underreporting of sexual assault cases. Many victims do not tell others about the assault, because they fear that they will not be believed or will be derogated. Other victims may not realize that they have actually experienced legally defined rape or sexual assault, because the incident does not fit the prototypic scenario of "stranger rape." Here at Tyndall there is more than one option to choose from when reporting a sexual assault. "If you are a victim of sexual assault, there are two different avenues you can take," said Sheri Ward, Tyndall's Family Advocacy Outreach manager. "There is a restricted report, which is confidential. No one in your chain of command is notified, there is no prosecution or charges pressed and local law authorities aren't notified. You can still receive counseling and medical treatment, but if you ever change your mind, the opportunity to press charges is still available to you." "There is also an unrestricted report," said Ms. Ward. "In this instance the police, supervisor and chain of command are notified." "In either circumstance it is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible," said Ms. Ward. "It's very important to not take a bath, comb your hair, go to the bathroom, change clothes and brush your teeth. This allows the medical examiner to collect evidence and properly treat the victim." According to Ending Violence Against Women population reports, an average of four million American women experience a serious assault by a partner each year. "Being aware of abuse in relationships and early warnings is important, so you can help the victim," said Ms. Ward. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Assaulted girls are eight to nine times more likely to have tried to commit suicide. "The most common age of women who are abused is between 16 to 24 years old," said Ms. Ward. The need to educate teenagers and young women how to recognize and help someone who is involved in an unhealthy relationship is critical. The chance they know someone in a relationship like this is likely, whether they realize it or not. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics one in three teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. Warning signs to look for in an unhealthy relationship, could be control, jealousy and anxiety. Women also may try to cover bruises with make-up, high-collared shirts or sunglasses. Victims of abuse have a tendency to withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves. "If you know someone in an abusive relationship, let them know that you are concerned for their safety," said Ms. Ward. "Be supportive and non-judgmental of them; it is very common for women who are in an abusive relationship to continue the relationship, or get back into the relationship after it has ended." "It is also important to encourage them to talk to people who can provide help and guidance," said Ms. Ward. "Continue to be supportive after the relationship has ended because victims often have a low self-esteem. This can cause them to go back to the relationship." Be aware of the actions of peers, friends and co-workers. If someone is in an abusive relationship provide a helping hand and point them to others who can help. Tyndall's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator serves as a single point of contact for integrating and coordinating victim care from an initial report through resolution of issues related to the victim's health and well-being. For more information on Sexual Assault, call the SARC office at 283-8192, or call the 24-hour/7-day-a-week response capability at 625-1231.