Information & Resources

Sexual Assault Awareness

YWCA Enid is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault. Here, you'll find essential information on what is sexual assault, what to do if you have been sexually assaulted, and consent education. Let's work together to raise awareness, provide resources, and foster a community committed to building healthy relationships!

What is Sexual Assault↘

Any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim, or that coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will.

Examples of sexual assault include:

  • Non-consensual attempted or completed intercourse or penetration of any kind. Rape

  • Sexual touching without consent, such as touching of intimate body parts.

  • Forced sexual contact, such as groping or fondling.

  • Coercing someone into sexual acts through threats, intimidation, begging, or manipulation.

  • Sexual exploitation or abuse, such as using power or authority to coerce someone into sexual activity.

  • Sexual harassment that escalates into physical assault.

  • Any sexual activity with someone who is unable to give consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or incapacity.

  • Sexual abuse of minors, including statutory rape or sexual contact with a minor under the age of consent.

  • Coerced or forced exposure to pornography or sexual materials, or sharing/distributing private sexual photos without someone's consent

  • When we talk about force, it's not just about physical pressure. Perpetrators frequently employ emotional manipulation, psychological coercion, and various forms of manipulation to compel victims into non-consensual sexual activity. This can manifest in threats aimed at coercing compliance, including the promise of harm to the victim or their loved ones, as well as other forms of intimidation tactics. Additionally, perpetrators may resort to tactics such as persistent begging or pleading to manipulate and pressure their victims into sexual acts against their will.

  • No.

    People respond to traumatic situations in various ways. While some may fight back or flee (the "fight or flight" response), others may experience the "freeze" response, where the body instinctively seeks to protect itself from further harm. Additionally, individuals may exhibit “dissociation”, where the brain disengages from what is happening to the body, or engage in "please or appease" behavior, attempting to control the violence they are experiencing.

    These bodily reactions are normal responses to trauma, and each person's experience is unique. It's important to know that if someone doesn't fight back or resist during a traumatic situation, it doesn't mean their experience isn't real or valid.

  • sexual harassment is any unwanted gesture or action that is sexual in nature, including verbal and non-verbal misconduct

    Examples of sexual harassment include:

    -Making lewd or inappropriate comments or jokes of a sexual nature.

    -Displaying or sharing sexually explicit images or materials.

    -Making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

    -Persistent or unwanted sexual advances, propositions, or invitations.

    -Sexually suggestive gestures or body language.

    -Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or messages.

    -Making offensive remarks about a person's gender or sexual orientation.

    -Creating a hostile work environment through sexual comments, jokes, or behavior.

    -Retaliating against someone for refusing sexual advances or reporting harassment.

For Survivors↘

You are not to blame for the sexual assault! No one ever "deserves" to be assaulted, no matter what you were wearing, past behavior, or if you initially showed interest in your assailant.

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted?

Experiencing sexual assault is traumatic and overwhelming, but it's important to know that there are steps you can take to seek support, ensure your safety, and pursue justice if you choose to do so.

  • Ensure Your Safety: If you're in immediate danger, call 911. If you're not in immediate danger, find a safe place and call YWCA Enid’s Crisis Hotline at 580-234-7644 to speak to an advocate.

  • Seek Medical Attention: It's crucial to get medical care as soon as possible, even if you don't have visible injuries. Call YWCA Enid’s SANE Program at 580-234-7644 to be seen by our SANE nurse. They can check for physical injuries, provide treatment, and address concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Additionally, they can collect evidence if you're considering reporting the assault to law enforcement.

  • Consider Reporting to Law Enforcement: Reporting the assault to law enforcement is a personal decision and not the right choice for everyone. However, if you choose to report, you can contact your local police department or visit with YWCA Enid’s Crisis Center Advocates who can help you initiate the reporting process. Understand that reporting can be a difficult and lengthy process, and you have the right to take your time and make decisions that feel right for you. Oklahoma Victims Bill of Rights

  • Explore Counseling and Support Services: You don't have to go through this alone. YWCA Enid’s Counselors offer non-judgmental support and promote healthy coping strategies. We provide counseling for survivors of traumatic events, with licensed professional counselors available onsite to assist those in need.

  • Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care during this challenging time. This might include practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, engaging in activities you enjoy, getting enough rest and nutrition, and working on returning to your usual routine.

Remember, every survivor's experience is unique, and there is no "right" way to respond to sexual assault. It's essential to do what feels safest and most empowering for you. You deserve support and care as you navigate the healing process.

  • For many survivors of sexual assault, sharing their story in some capacity is a significant step in their healing journey. Despite the pain and difficulty involved, speaking about one's experience is a crucial part of reclaiming control over one's life. While discussing the current impact of the abuse may not immediately resolve all issues, it initiates the healing process. It's essential to remember that the timing of sharing is entirely up to you.

  • Victims and survivors of sexual trauma or abuse may experience a wide range of emotions and reactions, all of which are valid and real. These may include feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression, as well as physical health symptoms and intrusive memories of the violence. Many survivors also report disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of self-blame, guilt, and shame. Some may "shut down" emotionally, withdraw, or numb their feelings as a coping mechanism.

    In response to trauma, survivors may adopt various coping strategies, such as social isolation, anger, aggression, avoidance, or engaging in high-risk behaviors. It's essential to understand that survivors may also have moments of happiness and joy. While others may perceive this as avoidance, it's important to recognize that every emotion a survivor experiences is valid and deserves acknowledgment and support.

  • It's natural to wonder when the pain will ease and when you'll start feeling like yourself again after experiencing sexual assault. It's difficult to comprehend why someone would inflict such harm, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. But it's important to remember that you survived, which speaks volumes about your strength and resilience. It's normal to feel scared or uncertain about the process, especially since there's no clear roadmap for healing. However, healing is happening, even if it doesn't always feel that way.

    Sexual assault isn't something you just "get over"; rather, it becomes a part of your life story that shapes who you are. While it may always be a part of your past, it doesn't have to define your future. Each person's journey toward healing is unique, and it's okay to seek support from others along the way. Whether it's talking to a counselor, joining a support group, or reaching out to trusted friends and family members, there are people who can help you navigate this difficult time. Remember, healing is a gradual process, and it's okay to take things one step at a time, at your own pace. You're not alone.

  • Feeling isolated and misunderstood after experiencing sexual assault is a common experience, but it's important to know that you are not alone. Many survivors share similar feelings of loneliness and isolation, believing that no one can truly understand what they've been through. Sexual assault is unfortunately prevalent in our society, affecting a significant number of individuals. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. While every survivor's journey is unique, there is a community of support available to help you navigate your healing process. Whether it's through counseling, support groups, or reaching out to trusted friends and family members, there are people who want to stand by your side and provide the support you need to heal and move forward.

Consent↘

Without consent any sexual activity is sexual assault or rape.

Consent is easy as FRIES:

  • Freely given. Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  • Reversible. Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed.

  • Informed. You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t full consent.

  • Enthusiastic. When it comes to sex, you should only do stuff you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do.

  • Specific. Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to make out) doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to others (like having sex).

  • The only way to know for sure if a person has given consent is if they tell you. Expressing discomfort or unhappiness can be challenging, and individuals may not always verbalize their feelings. Even if someone appears content on the outside, they may be uncomfortable internally or unsure how to express it. The absence of an individual saying “no” or “stop” is not implied consent. Yes means Yes. Therefore, the most effective approach, especially in intimate situations, is to directly ask for consent and ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and willing.

  • Never. Consent in long-term relationships is about creating a safe and respectful environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves sexually and emotionally. It fosters trust, intimacy, and mutual respect, strengthening the bond between partners. Consent in long-term relationships is about continuously checking in with each other, understanding each other's desires and boundaries, and respecting each other's autonomy. It involves open and honest communication about preferences, desires, and comfort levels. It also means respecting when a partner says "no" or “stop” at any time or expresses discomfort, without pressuring them or making them feel guilty. Just because someone has consented to something in the past doesn't mean they have to consent to it in the future.

  • Yes. Consent isn't a single agreement; it can be revoked at any point, requiring an immediate stop to the activity.

    If someone initially agrees to sexual activity but later changes their mind and no longer wants to participate, they have the right to withdraw consent. Also, if someone consents to one thing doesn't mean they've agreed to everything else. For instance, agreeing to kissing doesn't automatically imply consent for other intimate actions.

  • Yes. It is absolutely essential to ask for consent every step of the interaction and every time it happens. Past sexual encounters do not set a standard for future consent. Each instance stands alone. Even in long-term relationships and marital intimacy, consent must be obtained each time.

  • Consent cannot be given by:

    -Someone who is asleep or unconscious.

    -Someone who is mentally or physically incapacitated.

    -Someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    -Someone under duress, threat, coercion or force.

    -Someone under the legal age of consent, as defined by the state.

FAQs

  • Yes. Anyone, regardless of gender, can be a victim of sexual assault. While it's often less reported among men due to various societal factors, sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender identity. It's important to recognize and support all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of gender.

  • No. Is is a common misconception that most sexual assault perpetrators are likely to be a random stranger.

    In Oklahoma 80.8% of rape victims reported knowing their attacker.

  • While the responsibility for sexual assault always lies with the perpetrator, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of encountering dangerous situations. Trusting your instincts, staying aware of your surroundings, setting boundaries, limiting alcohol and drug consumption, using the buddy system, learning self-defense, and utilizing technology to stay connected with trusted individuals are all strategies that can reduce the risk of encountering harmful situations.

    However, these measures do not absolve perpetrators of responsibility, and survivors of sexual assault deserve compassion, support, and access to resources for healing and recovery.

  • Visit the Supporting Survivors Page for information on how to offer the right support.

  • Rideshare Help for those who have experienced rideshare sexual assault.

    RAINN'S MISSION

    RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

    National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence

    Oklahoma Sexual Violence Prevention

  • Everyone is Affected by Sexual Violence:

    •Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.

    •1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

    •1 in 5 women will be a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

    •In 1 out of 10 sexual assaults, the victim is a male.

    •Females ages 16-19 are 4x more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.

    •Male college students ages 18-24 are 5x more likely than male non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

    •8% of sexual assaults happen on college campuses/school property.

    •54% of adult sexual assault victims are between the ages of 18-34.

    •55% of sexual assault victims report the attack happened at or near their home.

    Perpetrators of Sexual Violence:

    •Out of 1,000 rapes, only 25 perpetrators will end up in prison.

    •2 out of 3 sexual assaults go unreported to police.

    •Personal weapons—such as hands, feet, and/or teeth—are used against victims of sexual violence in 2 out of 3 cases.

    •93% of juvenile victims knew their perpetrator.

    •33% of adult victims were assaulted by current or former intimate partners.

    •More than half of alleged rapists have at least one prior conviction. 20% have five or more convictions.

    Sexual Violence in Oklahoma (2021):

    •YWCA Enid serves five counties: Garfield, Grant, Blaine, Major, and Kingfisher.

    •Enid Police Department investigated 44 rapes in Enid.

    •1,751 rapes were reported to police in Oklahoma. Only 6% resulted in an arrest.

    •The most common day and time for reported rapes was on Friday (17.2%) between 12 am-1 am (16.9%).

    •80.8% of victims in Oklahoma knew their attacker.