Learn About Sexual Assault
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that happens with your consent, making you feel uncomfortable, threatened or scared.
Types of Sexual Assault:
- Rape
- Attempted Rape
- Sexual Child Abuse
- Human Trafficking
- Sexual Harassment
- Fondling
- Incest
- Elder Sexual Abuse
- Any other unwanted sexual contact
The frequency and severity of sexual assault can vary dramatically.
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What We Do
1 in 3
Females are sexually assaulted
1 in 6
Males are sexually assaulted
1 in 2
Transgender people are sexually assaulted
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Myths About Sexual Assault
Only Rape Counts as Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is sexual contact or behavior that usually involves force upon a person without consent or that is inflicted upon a person who cannot give consent. It can include any unwanted sexual contact or behavior, from inappropriate touching to rape.
Only Women can be Sexually Assaulted
The majority of sexual assault victims are women, but men are sexually assaulted too. Both women and men can sexually assault men, and vise versa.
Most Rapists are Strangers
Studies show that around only 15% of rapes are committed by strangers. The majority of rapes committed are by acquaintances and even intimate partners.
Certain Behaviors/Appearances Make it OK
It is not OK to sexually assault a person even if they are dressed in a provocative manner. There are no excuses for sexually assaulting someone.
Attractive People are More Likely to be Assaulted
Especially in cases of rapes, assault is not about appearance, it’s about opportunity. People of all ages and sizes are sexually assaulted.
It Happens Mostly in Dark, Isolated Places
Sexual assault can happen anywhere – at a party, in a bar, or in your own home. Some types of sexual assault, like rape, are more likely to happen in isolated places, but inappropriate touching can easily happen in public places.
Signs of Sexual Assault
This can Include:
- Unwanted touching
- Rape: actual or attempted unwanted vaginal, oral, anal penetration by an object or body part
- Forcing or manipulating you into doing unwanted, painful or degrading acts during intercourse.
- Taking advantage of you while you’re drunk or otherwise not likely to give consent.
- Denying you contraception or protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Taking any kind of sexual pictures or film of you without your consent.
- Forcing you to perform sexual acts on film or in person for money.
- Threatening to break up with you if you refuse sex.
What to do if you have been Sexually Assaulted?
- Ensure that you’re safe
- Talk to someone
- Get confidential help
- Get medical help
- Consider contacting the police
- Trust yourself
- Know your legal rights