Queer- reclaimed derogatory slang for populations of persons who identify as LGBTQ. Not acceptable by all LGBTQ persons, especially those who recall the memories of abuse this word caused when used against them as youngsters.
Questioning - A person who is questioning their sexual orientation or hasn't chosen a label.
Quid Pro Quo - Latin term that means "this for that".
Rape - forced sexual intercourse.
Rape Trauma Syndrome - Pattern of response among rape victims. There are many ways people deal with sexual assault. There is no "right" style of coping with crisis. Rape Trauma Syndrome characteristically includes three phases of reaction: acute reaction, outward adjustment/distancing, and resolution. Acute reaction is characterized by: shock, disbelief, dismay; followed by anxiety, fear, sometimes guilt, shame, helplessness, susceptibility to influence of helping persons. Outward Adjustment/Distancing is characterized by: return to work, home, or school pursuits; blocking of trauma; possible anger and resentment; dealing with feelings about assailant and assault. Survivor may move, change jobs, relationships, etc. The resolution phase is characterized by: the need to talk about the assault; possible periods of depression; anger at assailant for having used her/him; or at her/himself for being used; anger at society for encouraging assault.
Rohypnol or "roofies" - common date rape drug. The effects of this drug can be felt within 20-30 minutes, and it is dangerous because roofies are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which means one would not be able to taste roofies in water. Some signs of roofies are extreme intoxification, reduced inhibitions, and blacking out. See topic of the month for more information.
Same-sex assault - forced sexual contact between members of the same sex (i.e. women sexually assaulting women).
S.A.R.T. - Acronym standing for Sexual Assault Response Team and a program of Community Violence Solutions. This team consists of CVS staff, County Health and Human Service Departments, local law enforcement agencies, crime labs, hospitals, and District Attorneys offices. The goal of S.A.R.T. is to provide an effective, compassionate forensic medical exam to collect evidence and improve prosecution rates, and to increase the level of safety and support available to victims.
SART exam - Forensic exam used to collect evidence after a sexual assault.
Sexual Assault - forced sexual contact. Someone can be forced into sexual activity physically (beatings, overpowering, restraining), emotionally (threats, peer pressure, guilt), or through drugs (someone whose judgment is impaired or who is passed out cannot always stop unwanted sexual activity from taking place.)
Sexual Harassment - unwanted sexual attention. 4 out of 5 students (81%) have experienced some form of sexual harassment during their school years.
Sexual Orientation - the direction (toward males, females, or both genders) of our emotional, social, psychological, and physical attractions.
Shock - an acute impairment of vital functions following a traumatic experience (ex. inability to speak or move, limbs go weak, loss of control over bodily functions, crying, increased heart rate, etc.)
Spousal or Marital Rape - forcing a husband or wife to have sex. 25% of surveyed women and 8% of surveyed men said they were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabitating partner, or date in their lifetime.
Statutory Rape - when someone over 18 years old has sex with someone under 18 years old. A recent study by the Population Reference Bureau found that about two thirds of births to teenage girls nationwide are fathered by adult men age 20 or older. The Alan Guttmacher Institute's 1994 report, "Sex and America's Teenagers," found that 6 of 10 girls who had sex before age 15 were coerced by males an average of 6 years older than them.
Stranger Rape - victim/survivor and perpetrator/assailant do not know each other.
Transgender - the groups of all people who are inclined to cross the gender line, including transsexuals, cross dressers, and gender benders. This is how the word is commonly used today. Referred to as the umbrella definition as it covers all behaviors that transcend traditional gender norms.
Victim vs. Survivor of Sexual Assault - both terms refer to a person who has been sexually assaulted. However, usually anyone who lives through a sexual assault is called a survivor not a victim.
Vulnerable - being in a position where one is more open to attack or criticism.
