WHAT IS IT?

Sexual assault is the sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. This act makes the person feel uncomfortable, threatened or scared. Some forms of sexual assault include: attempted rape, fondling or unwanted touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, or rape.

SEXUAL ASSAULT IS NEVER YOUR FAULT.

It is something that happened to you, it’s not a result of who you are or something you did. Someone has chosen to behave badly toward you and that is never your fault.

WHAT IS FORCE?

Force does not always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply.

HOW SEXUAL ASSAULT MAY AFFECT ME?

There are many normal reactions to sexual assault: shock and denial, fear, silence, anxiety, depression, guilt, low self-esteem, isolation, nightmares or flashbacks, mood swings, loss of confidence, loss of trust, and PTSD

I’VE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?

Most importantly, realize that this is not your fault. You did not cause this to happen. Go to our GET HELP page for national resources that are confidential. Reach out to a friend, family member, youth worker, or counselor. Consider contacting the police.