Sexual Assault

There is a great need...for us as a community and as individuals to open our eyes and stop ignoring one of the most prominent expressions of violence and control in our society.

Sexual Assault is a degrading, shameful experience and our society has a tendency to blame the victim, making it even more difficult to deal with and recover. Part of New Day Shelter's mission is to provide the necessary options and support, confidentially, to sexual assault victims in order to enable them to recover and take back their lives.

Did you know that:

1 in 3 women will be raped in their lifetime. (Russell, 1983)

1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18. (Russell, 1983)

1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18. (Russell, 1983)

In Wisconsin, in 1996, 84% of victims were female. (WI Office of Justice Assistance, 1997)

In Wisconsin, from 1992 to 1993, the reported number of sexual assaults of males increased by about 14%. The number of assaults reported for males may be especially low because survivors fear they will be met with both homophobic reactions and disbelief.

Wisconsin reports that 92% of sexual assault victims knew the perpetrator (friend of the family, date, spouse, partner, authority figure). WI Office of Justice, 1997)

1 in 7 married women report that they have been raped by their current or ex-spouse. (WCASA 1995)

Over 50% of high school boys and 42% of high school girls believe that there are times when it is "acceptable for a male to hold a female down and physically force her to engage in intercourse". (Warshaw, 1988)

New Day Shelter is committed to providing victims of sexual assault with service they need. We will not shame you or blame you - we will believe you. (Note: Most sexual assault victims are women but men and children are also victims of sexual assault. While this page focuses on women, the information herein can apply to everyone and our services are available to everyone as well.

Sexual Assault, including incest, sexual harassment, and rape, is often seen as a "crime of passion," a crime about sex. This is not at all true. Most sexual assaults are planned and the actual motivations behind sexual assault include the need for power and control. Sexual assault perpetrators, or abusers, have a need to exercise power over that which they feel is weaker and inferior to them.

Sexual assault can occur to anyone, anywhere, at anytime, but sometimes it can be difficult to recognize if a sexual assault has taken place. The following definitions address different kinds of sexual assault - but if you have any questions about a particular situation, do not hesitate to call the New Day Shelter.

Acquaintance Rape. Commonly known as Date Rape. It is a form of sexual assault in which one person forces someone they know (a date, friend, or acquaintance) to have intercourse or some other kind of sexual contact without their consent.

Incest. Incest refers to when a child is sexually exploited by a relative or some other trusted authority figure.

Marital Rape. Occurs when a person is forced to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact with their spouse, ex-spouse, or live-in partner without their consent. Wisconsin State Law deems marital rape a felony and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Sexual Harassment. Sexual Harassment is the most common form of sexual assault. It consists of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature and usually occurs in the school or work setting. Its the sexualization of an otherwise non-sexual relationship.

Stranger Rape. This form of sexual assault refers to someone who forces someone they do not know to have sexual intercourse or contact without their consent.

Sexual Assault LAWS in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, there are four different degrees of sexual assault:

First Degree Sexual Assault. Involves sexual intercourse or contact with a person without their consent which: (a) causes pregnancy and/or great bodily harm to that person, (b) involves the use or threat of a dangerous weapon, or (c) involves the use or threat of violence and is aided or abetted by one or more other persons. This is a felony.

Second Degree Sexual Assault. A situation involving sexual intercourse or contact without the consent of the person and included one of the following: bodily injury, inability to give consent, use or threat of force or violence or two or more people were involved. This is a felony.

Third Degree Sexual Assault. Also a felony and involves sexual intercourse and lack of consent of the person.

Fourth Degree Sexual Assault. Involves sexual contact, lack of consent of that person and is a misdemeanor.

Ways to Reduce Sexual Assault

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Sexual Assault Program