Sexual Assaults Against Adults

Sexual assault is, unfortunately, commonplace in the United States. This article will discuss types of sexual assault, resources for victims, and what someone should do if he or she is sexually assaulted in the state of Kansas.

Statistics

1 out of every 6 American women and 1 out of every 33 American men have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. RAINN
Victims of sexual assault are: ²
3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.
6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

Rape

Rape is defined under K.S.A. 21-5503. If you or someone you know you have been the recent victim of rape, you should first immediately contact 911. Request law enforcement and an ambulance if one is needed. Do not take a shower or wash in anyway. This includes clothing, bedding, or any other fabrics that may possibly be soiled with DNA evidence. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or doing things like applying makeup or lotions. This may affect any evidence that was left on your person. If you are the victim of a sexual assault you’re going to be transported to Via Christi- St. Joseph so that a SANE/SART nurse can conduct a sexual assault examination. These nurses have received special training in order to collect evidence and to handle any medical concerns that may arise or may be necessary. Law enforcement officers will also be making contact with you in order to conduct an interview. A complete listing of local resources in Sedgwick County that can assist you with your recovery process will be included at the end of this article.

Criminal Sodomy

Criminal Sodomy is defined under K.S.A. 21-5504. If you are the victim of criminal sodomy, you should also refrain from showering, bathing, changing clothes, or anything else that might degrade or remove DNA evidence or trace evidence from your person or the crime scene. Victims of criminal sodomy will also be transported to St. Joseph hospital for an examination by a SANE/SART nurse. Again, a complete listing of local resources for victims of this crime will be included at the end of this article..

Sexual Battery

Sexual Battery is defined under K.S.A. 21-5505. If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual battery, 911 should be immediately contacted. If injuries were sustained, an ambulance should also be requested. Law enforcement officers will make contact with the victim in order to complete a criminal case report. They may need to take photographs to document any visible evidence and will have the victim and any witnesses complete a statement form where they document what they saw happen.

Incest

Incest is defined under K.S.A. 21-5604. Local law enforcement should be contacted as soon as possible if you believe that someone is the victim of or is engaging in incest.

Lewd and Lascivious

Lewd and Lascivious is defined under K.S.A. 21-5513. If you witness an act of lewd and lascivious conduct, immediately call 911 and request law enforcement. Without putting yourself in jeopardy, try to get identification information about the perpetrator(s) (ex. race, gender, hair color, eye color, clothing description, height and weight, vehicle description, license plate number, etc.).

Local Resources for Help

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center
355 N. Waco, Ste. 100 Wichita, KS 67202 24 hour hotline: (316) 263-3002
Toll free number: 1-877-927-2248
Office: (316) 263-0185

Harbor House Battered Women Shelter (316) 263-6000

YWCA Women's Crisis Center (316) 267-7233

Sedgwick County COMCARE (mental health assistance) (316) 660-7500

Union Rescue Mission (shelter for men only) (316) 687-4673

Conclusion

It should be noted there is a separate article for sexual crimes perpetrated against children that may be helpful to the reader. Sexual assaults can be extremely traumatic and life altering for the victims. It is very important victims realize they are not at fault and more often than not; victims need to seek professional assistance in order to process what they’ve been through. Strong support systems are also very important in these cases.

We, at the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, are dedicated to helping citizens combat crime in their neighborhoods. But we need your help! By utilizing crime prevention techniques around your home, work place, and vehicles, you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim! If you have any questions about what you could do to help protect yourself and your property, please call either your Community Liaison Unit at (316) 660-3920 or your Community Policing Unit at (316) 660-0750.

Thank You!!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is not intended to be legal advice, but is merely intended to convey general information commonly encountered when dealing with the Subjects discussed herein. Because laws can change very rapidly, we cannot guarantee that any

Information on this document (or references contained therein) is current or accurate. Additionally, laws differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and are subject to interpretation of courts located in each county. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case and the information provided herein may not be an appropriate fit for your particular situation. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, its employees, agents, or others will not be liable or responsible for any claim, loss, injury, liability, or damages related to use of this document or any reference provided herein.