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WHAT IS ASSAULT?
ASSAULT is an act of violence imposed by one person upon another. Physical and sexual assault of any kind is a crime, even in a marriage or dating relationship.
SEXUAL ASSAULT is any assault of a sexual nature including unwanted intercourse, kissing, touching, fondling, or sexual threats.
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OTHER FORMS OF ASSAULT
INCLUDE:
SPOUSAL ASSAULT includes being slapped, pushed, punched, scratched, kicked, or physically threatened by a partner or ex-partner.
DATING VIOLENCE occurs when physical, emotional or sexual force is used to threaten the other person in a dating relationship.
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WHO COMMITS ASSAULT?
Assault is not a Discriminating Crime.
JUST as there is no one type of assault victim, neither is there one kind of person who commits assault.
PEOPLE who commit domestic violence come from every culture, educational background, income level and age group.
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WHO'S GETTING HURT?
- WOMEN are the primary victims of emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse. For some, the emotional damage strikes even deeper than the physical. They feel ashamed and alone, trapped and helpless. Some women become severely depressed, develop alcohol and drug problems, or become suicidal.
- CHILDREN'S lives can be profoundly damaged by parental violence. Seeing their mother abused or belittled may result in children feeling guilty, frightened and confused. Many develop emotional and behavioral problems, losing their trust in people. They can become withdrawn and passive. or disobedient, destructive and aggressive.
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YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME - Many assault victims believe that they are somehow responsible for the abuse they are experiencing. This is not true under any circumstances. There is never an excuse for committing assault.
HELP IS AVAILABLE - The first step in getting help may be the hardest, but it is the step that can lead you and your family to recovery. You do not need to be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. If you are a victim of assault or abuse, you can:
Call the police, or 911
in the case of an emergency;
Call a women's shelter or crisis line
listed in your local directory;
Call a friend;
Call the Victims Information Line.
For Squamish phone numbers click HERE
OTHERS CAN HELP - If you know a woman in an abusive situation, talk to her. Tell her that it is dangerous to do nothing about the violence or abuse, and that for her own safety and the safety of her children, she should get help.
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