12 Oakville Beaver Weekend Sunday May 21, 2000 To Your Health To reach this section call 845-3824 Fax:337-5567 Talking about sexual assault helps healing process One in four Canadian women and one in eight Canadian men has been sexually assaulted. Many more of us live with the fear of going out at night alone and being sexually assaulted. It is an issue that we do not like to talk about, or even think about. But as a community, we should all be con cerned about sexual violence. Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature that one person imposes on another person. Although we usually think that sexual assault is the same as rape; unwanted touch ing, sexual remarks and unwanted kissing are also forms of sexual assault. Sexual assault of any kind is a crime, even in a marriage or dating relationship. Most people think of sexual assault as a woman being attacked by a sex-starved stranger in a deserted place. But someone known to the victim, such as friends, family, dates, spouses or neighbours commits 70% of sexual assaults. More than half of sexual assaults occur in private homes, often the victim's own home. Studies on rapists reveal that they are "ordinary" and "normal" men who sexually assault others to assert power and control over them. And it has recently been recognized that males are also victims of sex ual assault. Sexual assault can have profound effects on a victim's health and well being. The effects include depression, anger, fear, anxiety, sleep problems, and eating problems, as well as drug and alcohol use. Only 6% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. If someone is raped, it is often perceived that he or she "asked for it" in some way. Victims are often not believed and ________________ may be told that they are responsible for the assault, by the way they dress, or for putting them selves in a certain situation, or by drinking with the rapist. When a person is sexually assaulted, they suffer pain and trauma. It has been shown that victims who talk about their feelings and trauma have a better chance of recovery. Victims can talk to friends or family members, contact the Halton Rape Crisis Centre, see their physician, go to their closest hospital or come to the Sexual Health clinics at HEALTH NOTES Halton Region Health Department for help. In order for a criminal investigation to take place, the police must be told. A medical exam may be necessary; if so, it should be done as soon as possible after the assault. If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted, listen to them. Let them know it is not their fault and they are not alone. Assist them to find the kind of help they need and want. What can we all do to prevent sexual assault? An impor tant first step is to learn about sexual assault and why it hap pens. We need to think about our attitudes and place the responsibility for the crimes on the offenders, rather than blame the victims. We need to help men, women and chil dren learn that no means no, whatever the situation and that no one has the right to force any unwanted sexual act on another. For more information about sexual assault resources available through the Halton Region Health Department, call 825-6060 ext. 6065, TTY 905-827-9833. Health N otes is prepared by staff of th e H alton R egion Health D epartm ent. A n x ie ty & p a n ic s e m in a r s e t fo r M a y stances, much like other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. The seminar is intended for individuals with anxiety, panic or phobias and their fam ilies. Dr. Nabil Philips, psychiatrist and director, Adult Out-Patient Mental Health Clinic, Credit Valley Hospital, will discuss prevalence, early detection, diagnosis and medications available. Angie Atanasoff, a nurse at the OTMH Mental Health Program, will explain cognitive therapy and lifestyle issues. Information on available community supports will also be presented. 2 5 th Members of the public are invited to attend a free sem inar entitled "Understanding Anxiety, Panic and Phobias" on Thurs., May 25th, at 7 p.m. at The 707 Galaxy Banquet Hall in Oakville. The seminar is being presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association and Halton Healthcare Services -- OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) site. Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems. They are a group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and physical health. Types of anxiety disorders include panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, obsessivecompulsive, and generalized anxiety. It is estimated that they affect approximately one in 10 people. They are more prevalent among women than among men, and they affect children as well as adults. Understanding the facts about anxiety disor ders is an important step. They are medical disorders which can be treated. Research into their origins continues, but it is believed they are caused by a combination of biological factors and an individual's personal circum The 707 Galaxy Banquet Hall which is located at 475 North Service Road East. Community displays and light refreshments will be available between 6:30 and 7 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7 p.m. To reserve a seat, call 338-4379. If you are unable to attend this event but would like more information on this topic, speak with your physician or call the Canadian Mental Health Association at 6934270. It is made possible through an education al grant from SmithKline Beecham Pharma G ail L em ieu x ' Corns · Calluses · Warts ' Heel & Arch Pain ' Orthotic Management · Diabetic & Arthritic Footcare · Surgical Care Elisabeth Hibbert B.Sc., D.Ch. 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Fun New Friends Skills Evaluations Competitions Awards Baffles Prizes Tournaments Games For more information & on-line registration, visit our website r , & . . metabolism Ronnie Aronson mo fmc face (905) 337-0040 or visit www.imc.ca Trafalgar Road at QEW, Oakville b y physician re fe rra l Rexall Drugstore! 291 Lakeshore Rd. E. Oakville 9(15-842-2770 % Lakeshore Rd E o> Or in Oakville, visit any school, library, Mail Boxes Etc. (Lakeshore/Bronte) or Parks & Rec. Booklet pg. 141. 99 Bronte Road, Suite #221, Oakville, ON L(iL 3B7 T e l/F a x : (9 0 5 ) 4«9-8«7C » e m a il: h c b @ s p c ttra n c t.e a w w w .lio m c c o u rtb a s k c tb a ll.c o m