Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

It is an act of violence and a crime. Pressuring or forcing someone to touch or to be touched when they don't want it is sexual assault. It may involve getting the victim high or drunk in order to have sex. Sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual abuse, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, and voyeurism.

It is never the victim's fault. Only the assailant is to blame, not the victim, no matter what they say, wear, or do. Offenders assault because they believe they have a right to sex even if the other person doesn't want it.

It's not strangers. Assailants choose victims they know - over 83% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone they victim knows. Sexual offenders come from all racial, religious and economic backgrounds.

What can I do if I have been assaulted?