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FACTS

Myth: Most rapes are committed by strangers
Fact: More than 80% of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim

Myth: Not saying "no" means "yes"
Fact: By Wyoming law, the inability to say no does not prove consent

Myth: Husbands have the right to insist on sex with their wives
Fact: Marital rape is against the law in Wyoming

Myth: Women who get drunk are asking to be raped
Fact: It is legal for anyone over the age of 21 to drink alcohol; it is not legal to have sex with someone under the influence who cannot give consent

Myth: Men who rape have out-of-control sexual impulses and rape is a crime of passion
Fact: Many rapists admit to planning the rape and stalking their victim before the rape

Myth: A victim must report the crime to law enforcement to receive help
Fact: Community Safety Network and other resources are available to help victims of sexual assault; whether or not the crime is reported to law enforcement CSN is here to help.

DATE RAPE DRUGS

Date rape drugs, or predatory drugs, have been used with more and more frequency in recent years. Date rape drugs are any type of substance that renders a victim unable to consent to sexual activity. Alcohol has always been and continues to be the most popular date rape drug. There are, however, other drugs that can cause victims to lose consciousness, lose memory, and unfortunately, in some instances, lose their lives. For detailed information on these drugs and their effects, click the link below:

www.coolnurse.com/date_rape.htm

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual Assault is any form of forced or non-consensual sexual activity.

Sexual assaults can range from touching to penetration. All forms of sexual assaults, regardless of the level of violence or if the perpetrator is known to the victim, can be devastating. Community Safety Network is available to help.

It is important to know that there are confidential professionals to help you, that you are not alone, and that you are not at fault. An advocate is available to talk to you at anytime day and night by calling 733-SAFE(7233) .

Steps to take if you have been sexually assaulted

  • Go to a safe location, and call a friend or Community Safety Network at 307-733-SAFE(7233) to discuss your options and get support.
  • Seek medical attention. An advocate from Community Safety Network can go with you to the hospital if you desire. Your health and safety are the number one priority. It is important to know that if you are an adult victim of sexual assault, you can receive medical attention with or without making a police report about the crime. The state of Wyoming will pay for the cost of the sexual assault examination provided at the hospital.
  • Do not shower, bathe, or douche. Of course, these will be the first things you may want to do after a sexual assault, but the only way to collect evidence of the assault is by leaving all potential evidence intact. There is no statute of limitations in Wyoming for sexual assaults and you may decide in the future to make a police report.
  • If you believe you were given a date rape drug, wait to urinate until you arrive at the hospital. If you can't wait, collect your first urine in a clean container with a lid and take it to the emergency room or police station with you. Also, be sure to tell the emergency room personnel your symptoms and that you believe you were given a date rape drug so they can take the necessary samples.
  • Call 911 if you decide to report the assault. If you would like, an advocate from Community Safety Network can be present with you while you make the report and provide information about your options.

Effects of Sexual Assault

No one can predict how a victim will react to a sexual assault. Such a personal crime also has personal consequences. Every reaction is considered normal. You may find yourself dealing with:

  • Excessive fear
  • Excessive anxiety
  • Frustration and anger
  • Sleeplessness
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Social isolation
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Feeling suicidal

Please know that you are not alone. If some of these symptoms do not go away after time, or return years after the assault, it might be necessary to consider contacting Community Safety Network about free, confidential, therapeutic resources available to sexual assault victims.

A counselor or therapist can be very helpful for all people trying to cope with a traumatic event, and therapy is essential for anyone having difficulty dealing with trauma. An advocate is available to talk to you at anytime day and night by calling 733-SAFE(7233). Community Safety Network can work with you to find a therapist, offer financial assistance, and help you heal whenever you are ready. If you seek more information on-line, CSN recommends www.rainn.org