What is Sexual Assault?

Knowing what sexual assault and violence are, is vital because it helps survivors recognize that what happened to them was not their fault. It also empowers others to understand boundaries, identify abuse, and take action to prevent harm or support those affected.

Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary, and informed consent.

Sexual assault can include:

Attempted rape
Unwanted sexual touching or fondling
Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts (such as oral sex or penetration)
Penetration of the victim’s body without consent (this is legally defined as rape)
Coercing or manipulating someone into sex using threats, lies, guilt, or intimidation
Engaging in sexual activity with someone who is unable to give consent due to age, intoxication, disability, or unconsciousness

You are not to blame.

You deserve support, safety and dignity.

Who Commits Sexual Assault?

In most cases, sexual assault isn’t committed by a stranger — it’s by someone the survivor knows, like a friend, partner, acquaintance, or even a family member.

Although stranger assaults are less common, they’re still very serious. Examples include a blitz assault, where someone is suddenly attacked in public; a contact assault, where a stranger gains trust before harming the victim; and a home invasion, when someone breaks into a person’s home to commit an assault.

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Resources for Help

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. You are not alone.

To report abuse or assault
- Call 9-1-1 for immediate help
- Contact your local police department directly
- Visit a clinic or hospital and tell a healthcare professional you want to report the crime
National Help 24/7
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- 24/7 confidential hotline: 1‑800‑656‑4673
- Online chat: https://www.rainn.org
Local Support
- Willow Haven Advocacy Group
- Email: info@willowhavenadvocacy.org
- Contact to schedule a phone, virtual, or in person meeting with an advocate.

Statistics

1 in 6 U.S. women has experienced attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

1 in 33 men has experienced attempted or completed rape in his lifetime.

68.5% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home or their relative’s home.

23% of sexual assaults occur in an open public place.

Every 74 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

Every nine minutes, that someone is a child.

*https://rainn.org/

You deserve support, safety and dignity.

NO!

Resources for Help

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