What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity or contact that you do not consent to. Sexual assault can happen through physical force, threats of force, or when the attacker uses drugs, alcohol or coercion. In the United States, one in three women has experienced some type of sexual violence in their lifetime.
Domestic violence perpetrators frequently utilize sexual violence to help control or punish their victims. Regardless of if you are in a dating relationship, are married, or have had a consensual physical relationship in the past, you still have the right to refuse or revoke consent at any time. If you have been assaulted, it is not your fault, regardless of the circumstances.
Recognizing Signs of Sexual Assault:
Recognizing the signs of sexual assault is an important step in understanding and seeking support. Some common indicators are listed in this section.
Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Support, resources, and advocacy are available to help you take the next step toward healing and safety.
Please Call us at (906) 524-7078 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We CAN help!
Sexual assault can include:
- Any type of sexual contact with someone who cannot consent, such as someone who is underage (as defined by state laws), has an intellectual disability, or is passed out (such as from drugs or alcohol) or unable to respond (such as from sleeping)
- Any type of sexual contact with someone who does not consent or withdraws consent
- Rape
- Attempted rape
- Sexual Coercion
- Sexual contact with a child
- Fondling or unwanted touching above or under clothes
Sexual assault can also be verbal, visual, or non-contact
- Voyeurism, or peeping (when someone watches private sexual acts without consent)
- Exhibitionism (when someone exposes himself or herself in public)
- Sexual harassment or threats
- Forcing someone to pose for sexual pictures
- Sending someone unwanted texts or “sexts” (texting sexual photos or messages)
- Non-consensual recording and/or sharing of intimate content