Sexual violence close to home Published April 14, 2011 By Sexual Assualt Response Team Utah Coalistion Against Sexual Assault HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- When you think of sexual violence, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the stranger that jumps out behind the garbage dumpster in a dark alley and assaults an unsuspecting victim? Is it the stranger that follows an innocent victim and preys once the opportunity presents itself? When we think of sexual violence we conjure up ugly images. Sexual violence is an ugly, deplorable act derived from power and control. Sexual violence comes in many forms. The state of Utah is on the front lines in the war against sexual violence. Since 1991, Utah's reported rape rate has consistently been higher than the nation's average. In Utah, one in three women will become a victim of sexual violence during her lifetime. Most of these women will become victims before their 18th birthday. Even more alarming, this violence will come at the hands of someone known to the victim. Someone trusted, someone loved. According to the results of the 2007 Rape in Utah Report, only 13.3 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by strangers. Between 80 and 93 percent of the victims knew their attackers. Most commonly, victims are assaulted by someone close to them: a spouse, a boyfriend, a family member, a friend, acquaintance or a neighbor. In these instances weapons are rarely used. The relationship of trust is manipulated and used to commit an act of violence. Likewise, these assaults often go unreported by the victim to law enforcement. For every one assault reported, nine victims suffer in silence and choose not to report. The reasons why victims don't report are varied: Many are concerned about others knowing the assault occurred, some fear they won't be believed and supported, while others fear retaliation from their attackers. Many who work in the field of dealing with sexual violence witness firsthand the aftermath of an assault. Research has demonstrated that sexual assault victims report poorer physical and mental health and experience higher levels of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims who don't report or come forward fail to receive services needed to heal from such trauma. Care in the form of medical services and mental health support often go unaddressed and leave victims struggling to come to terms with what they have experienced. To encourage victims to come forward and get the services they deserve, professionals in law enforcement, victim advocacy, medicine and prosecution are engaging in victim-centered approaches. A victim-centered approach is an approach that empowers the survivor and sends a message of support while holding the perpetrator accountable for the act of violence. Victim-centered approach is nonjudgmental, empathetic and encouraging. Sexual violence is a topic that is often left in silence. Perhaps knowing one's assailant makes an act of sexual violence even harder to talk about. Whether the perpetrator is known to the victim or is an unknown assailant, the effects of sexual violence are devastating. Professionals are dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault regardless of the circumstances. To learn more about this important topic, visit www.ucasa.org. Leslie Miller is a sexual assault response team (SART) coordinator for Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA). Article reprinted by permission. Resources For more information on sexual assault, please contact or visit one of the following resources: Department of Defense Sexual Assault Web site -- www.sapr.mil Military OneSource -- 1-800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com 24-Hour Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Information Line -- (888) 421-1100 On-base agencies Sexual Assault Response Coordinator -- (801) 777-1985 or (801) 777-1964 Airman and Family Readiness Center -- (801) 777-4681 Hill Air Force Base Chapel -- (801) 777-2106 Base Legal Assistance -- (801) 777-6756 Air Force Office of Special Investigation -- (801) 777-1852 Security Forces (LE Desk) -- (801) 777-3056 Command Post -- (801) 777-3007 Equal Opportunity -- (801) 777-4857 Mental Health -- (801) 777-7909 Off-base agencies Northern Utah Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (NUSANE) -- (888) 328-3605 Safe Harbor Crisis Center (Kaysville) -- (888) 874-9378 or www.womensdvshelter.org Rape Recovery Center (SLC) -- (801) 467-7273 or www.raperecoverycenter.org Your Community Connection (YCC-Ogden) -- (801) 394-9456 Weber State University Services for Women Students (Ogden) -- (801) 626-6090 or www.weber.edu/sws