Assault And Sexual Abuse Program

What is domestic (partner) assault or abuse? What is sexual assault or abuse?

 

What is domestic (partner) assault or abuse?

Sometimes referred to as domestic violence, partner assault or abuse is an action by one person to gain or maintain power and control over the other person in a relationship.

This can occur in all types of domestic or partner relationships, including common-law and same-sex, and can happen to both women and men. The abuse may be physical, or it may include other forms of mistreatment or cruelty such as threatening, psychological, emotional or verbal abuse.

What is sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault is defined as any form of sexual activity with another person without that person's consent. In many cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim (for example, acquaintance or date rape).

In the case of children, sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for sexual stimulation by another person, especially by someone who is in a position of power or control over the victim, such as a parent, parent's partner, caregiver or babysitter.

All forms of assault and abuse can have serious effects on a person's physical and emotional health.

What is drug facilitated sexual assault?

Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) involves the use of alcohol, prescription, and non-prescription drugs to render victims unconcscious and/or incapable of providing consent to sexual activity.

Warning Signs of Sexual Assault:

  • Person feels dizzy, nauseated, has had periods of amnesia following consumption of a beverage (does not have to be alcoholic)
  • Muscles are sore
  • Waking up in unfamiliar place with no memory of having gone there
  • Feeling sensation of sexual activity

What to do:

  • Come immediately to the emergency department of Cornwall Community Hospital and ask for an ASAP nurse
  • Police may be contacted to report the incident before going to the hospital, from the hospital, or even at a later date
  • Once at hospital, a urine sample will be obtained as soon as possible. Chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained soon after the substance has been taken. Drugs used in DFSAs often wear away quickly. Every hour matters.