"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens." John Homer Miller

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Violence and Injury Prevention Lesson 6: Sexual Assault

How can an individual lower their risk of being sexually assaulted?

Rape and sexual assault
Rape: Sexual intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal) that is committed against a person’s will or is committed with physical force or a threat to hurt the victim or another person. It is also considered rape if a person is intoxicated or unconscious and is unable to give consent. Rape and sexual assault are not about desire- they are about power and control.
Sexual assault: includes other behaviors beyond forced sexual intercourse. It includes unwanted touching, fondling, groping of sexual body parts. It can be committed by the use of threats or force or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent, such as intoxication.
Consent: an agreement that two people make if they want to have sex. Both partners are fully conscious and aware. Both partners are equally free to act. Both partners clearly communicate their willingness and permission. Both partners are positive and sincere in their desires.

Class Activity: Agree-Disagree Sexual Assault Myths and Facts
Have agree-disagree signs posted on opposite sides of the room
Read each statement and have students move to the side of the room that corresponds with their answer. Allow students time to answer.

Video: Sexual Assault and Rape

Summary: Worksheet: Preventing Sexual Assault
How can you avoid a situation in which rape or sexual assault may be a result?

Identifying high risk behaviors for sexual assault and/or rape Have students write their answers on the board