Page 24 - Love of Music St. Louis Magazine

Sexual Rape: A gleeful enthusiasm for

exploitation, deception, and

Assault & manipulation coupled with an
indifferent blindness to the feelings
of others, all wrapped up nicely with
Misconduct a bow of grandiosity.
Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D.
Physchology Today 11.2017.
What can you do if you think you It runs the gamut. States typically create these

have been sexually assaulted? definitions with guidance from the Department
of Justice. However, the details are crafted on a
Find a sexual violence advocate near you, like a rape state level, often based on local cases that set a
crisis center. “Most sexual assault advocates have a cer- precedent for how sexual assault is phrased and
tain level of privileged communication—they can keep determined. Sexual assault is basically an umbrella term
the conversation confidential, even against a subpoena that includes sexual activities such as rape, fondling, and
and this allows a survivor to really explore their options.” attempted rape.
They can also set up evidence collection (like a rape kit)
and contact law enforcement, if needed and you want to
pursue your legal options. And, if you’re not exactly sure
what to call the sexual violence you were the victim of, a
counselor can help. This is a good option if the idea of
going directly to the authorities is intimidating to you.

Psychopaths sexually harass for one reason—
because they want to.
Narcissists find a way to justify sexual
harassment—
they do need you to think they’re powerful
and worthy of admiration.

Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D. The definitions can vary because of the way in which
Physchology Today 11.2017.
our laws are made, explains Rebecca O’Connor, vice
It’s actually harder to define than you’d think. Accord- president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest
ing to the United States Department of Justice, sexual National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual
assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that assault organization in the U.S.
occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.”
#METOO

Need help? If you or someone you know has been abused, used or taken

advantage of see below.
“People are not objects - people are smart and they know when they

have been sexually attacked, assaulted, used or abused.”

RAINN National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224
a trained staff member from a sexual assault service www.thehotline.org
provider in your area. www.rainn.org

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