Defining Sexual Assault

Reviews

Recommended. Sexual assault happens all too frequently, many times to those who are young, unsuspecting, unprepared and or under the influence. This video serves to educate in a three part presentation. What is Sexual Assault? What is Consent?, After an Assault and Risk Reduction and Bystander Intervention.

It explains in easy to understand language what has happened, what to do if it does happen and how to prevent it from happening. Three women who have experienced an assault take the viewer through the process and the emotions tied to each stage.

The film is concise, informative, sensitive and useful. It would be a great addition to any health or sexuality class in both middle and high school.

—Sandy Costanza D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY 
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

Three young women who are sexual-assault survivors share their stories in this forthright and informative production. Divided into three sections, the DVD succinctly explains and defines sexual violence and discusses consent, support options, rights and responsibilities, and risk reduction, among other topics. In “Part One: What Is Sexual Assault? What Is Consent?,” mental-health experts define sexual assault and explain the concept of consent. “Part Two: After an Assault” talks about what to do if an assault has occurred, including seeking medical care, filing a police report, and receiving legal help. Residual feelings of self-blame and guilt are also addressed. In the final section, “Part Three: Risk Reduction and Bystander Intervention,” behaviors that reduce risk are suggested, with an emphasis that assault or violence is never the victim’s fault. Intervention skills to possibly diffuse and deflect potentially aggressive behavior toward targeted individuals are included. In all three sections, survivors Destiny (who also serves as onscreen host), Lindsey, and Tiff relate their experiences, which involved sexual assault from persons they knew, telling their stories with honesty and candor. Dramatizations that appear in silhouette images accent some of the descriptions. Professional social workers and psychologists come across as relaxed, friendly, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. This extremely well-produced title is a valuable resource and discussion starter. Includes a teachers’ resource book and other materials in digital format.

— Debra McLeod, Booklist

Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. Many victims of sexual assault report confusion as to whether or not they were violated, and in many communities the crime itself is underreported. This three-part program opens with a look at what consent means, while offering a definition of sexual assault. The second segment focuses on what to do following an assault—including medical treatment, working with police to report the crime, understanding victims’ rights, and how friends and family and other support communities can help. In the third segment, risk reduction and bystander intervention are explored, including potential warning signs and things we can all do to assist with prevention. Underscoring the necessary messages that “no means no” and “sexual assault is never the fault of the victim,” this is an excellent title that combines sobering statistics, personal stories, and expert advice. Extras include a PDF study guide. Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice.

—C.Block, Video Librarian

This is yet another excellent self-help and empowerment program by the distributor. Three post-college survivors of sexual assault tell their stories while giving definitions of sexual assault and consent, talking about options for the victim after the assault, and providing ways to empower survivors. Social workers also offer input, particularly in describing what friends, roommates, and relatives can do to help victims. In the final part, risk reduction and bystander intervention are discussed. Throughout, there is emphasis on the assault not being the survivor's fault. It is also stressed that while there are precautions that can be made to limit chances of sexual assault, risk cannot be completely eliminated. Additionally, the promotion of bystander intervention encourages men and women to develop skills in diffusing situations so that they don't escalate into sexual violence. The survivors here are personable and will relate well with the audience. A teaching guide is also included with a film summary, a variety of activities, and fact sheets.VERDICT Because of its focus on bystander intervention, this video should be shown in all high schools.

—Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
School Library Journal