Sexual Assault and Seniors
- Part I
(Part 2 in our September issue)
Christina Campbell, MSW, RSW, Sexologist
Sexual assault is an important issue that needs to be
dealt with as it can happen to anyone regardless of
age, gender, sexual orientation or race, and it may
develop long lasting physical and psychological
trauma. Seniors are not immune to experience a
sexual assault.
Although sexual harassment, sexual assault and
sexual misconduct has received a lot of media
attention lately, many victims still choose not
discuss, report or seek help. Cultural differences may
place shame and embarrassment on the victim which
also contributes to the lack of reporting the crime.
Sexual assault is not about love, lust or unsatisfied
sexual desire. Sexual assault involves the use of
power, force or control over the victim. In many
cases, no overt physical force is used. Instead, the
victim may be threatened with words, manipulated
or pressured into doing something they do not
want to do. In other instances, the victim may be
incapacitated and unable to provide consent.
According to the Criminal Code of Canada, sexual
assault refers to any situation where somebody
touches you in a sexual way without your consent.
It is about any unwanted sexual act that includes
any unwanted sexual touch, behaviour or remarks
directed at the person.
You have the right to say NO! A person who is
impaired may not be able to give legal consent, or
if their judgment is found to be impaired. There are
many ways of communicating non-compliance such
as “I’m not into this right now”, “Maybe later”,
“I’m not sure”, silence, crying, body language
(squirming, stiffness, shaking). There is not any
consent if a person is too intoxicated, too scared to
say No, asleep or unconscious.
Reach Out.
If you think you are experiencing any form of elder
abuse, ask for help. This may include support and
assistance from family members or friend, caregiver,
health care provider, social services, seniors’ centres,
police, legal professionals and/or members of
faith communities.
Sources:
(http://rcsfresno.org/2014/12/18/the-importance-of-
addressing-sexual-assault-on-college-campuses/)
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/
article/14842-eng.htm)
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd/english/
ending-violence/campus_guide.shtml
(for more information, see page 30 & 31)
1-866-227-3092
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