CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Sexual Assault

CDC defines sexual assault or rape as a sexual act, either attempted or completed, against a victim's will. This includes situations in which the victim is unable to agree due to age (too young), illness, disability (e.g., unable to talk), or the influence of alcohol or other drugs. For example, date rape drugs (see Module 6) would affect a woman's ability to agree to sex.

Sexual assault may involve physical force or the threat of physical force, use of guns or other weapons, or pressure. Sexual assault also includes forced touching of the genitals, anus, groin, or breast against a victim's will. The man may be a stranger, friend, family member, or intimate partner.⁴

Perpetrators of violence against women are primarily their intimate partners. Seventy-six percent of women who were raped or physically assaulted since age 18 were assaulted by a current or former partner.⁵ Additional statistics about violence against women provide other key facts.