Learn About Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or background — and is never the fault of the person who experiences it.

While many people associate sexual assault only with rape, it can take many forms — some of which may not be immediately recognized. Sexual assault exists on a spectrum and includes both physical acts and non-physical violations.

• Rape or attempted rape: Non-consensual vaginal, oral, or anal penetration — including with objects.
• Unwanted sexual touching: Any non-consensual touching of intimate areas, such as breasts, buttocks, or genitals.
• Sexual coercion: Pressuring, manipulating, or threatening someone into sexual activity they do not want to engage in.
• Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, advances, or gestures — often in workplaces, schools, or public settings.
• Exposure and voyeurism: Forcing someone to watch sexual acts or exposing oneself without consent.
• Digital sexual abuse: Non-consensual sharing of intimate photos or videos (including "revenge porn"), or online sexual coercion.
• Sexual violence in relationships: Being assaulted by a partner, spouse, or ex — also known as intimate partner sexual violence.
• Sexual abuse of children or teens: Any sexual behavior imposed on a minor, including grooming and exploitation.

Sexual assault is not about desire — it’s about power, control, and entitlement. It can happen in isolated incidents or as part of ongoing abuse. It may be perpetrated by strangers, acquaintances, friends, partners, family members, or authority figures.

Understanding the many forms sexual assault can take is essential to supporting survivors, challenging harmful myths, and building a culture of respect and consent.

Survivors of sexual assault may experience a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical effects — immediately after the incident or even years later. Everyone’s response is unique, and there is no “correct” way to react to trauma.

• Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, numbness, hopelessness, or emotional detachment.
• Psychological Effects: Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, nightmares, or difficulty concentrating.
• Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, changes in appetite, nausea, STIs, or injuries resulting from the assault.
• Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal from others, avoidance of reminders, substance use, self-harm, or changes in sexual behavior.
• Cognitive Impacts: Memory gaps, intrusive thoughts, confusion, or difficulty trusting others.
• Social Consequences: Isolation, changes in relationships, mistrust, difficulty in school or work environments.

Some survivors may feel overwhelmed and unable to function, while others may appear outwardly “fine” but struggle internally. Healing is not linear. Reactions can ebb and flow over time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to know that support is available — through therapy, hotlines, peer support, and trauma-informed care.

Consent is a mutual agreement between participants to engage in specific sexual activity. It must be freely given, enthusiastic, informed, reversible, and specific. Without clear consent, any sexual activity is considered assault.

• Freely given: Consent cannot be obtained through pressure, manipulation, coercion, or while someone is incapacitated.
• Reversible: Anyone can change their mind and withdraw consent at any time, even during a sexual act.
• Informed: All parties should know exactly what they’re consenting to. For example, agreeing to one act does not imply consent to others.
• Enthusiastic: Consent should be clear and positive — not reluctant or passive.
• Specific: Consent to one activity (e.g., kissing) does not equal consent to another (e.g., intercourse).

True consent is built on open communication, mutual respect, and care. Silence or lack of resistance is not consent. A “yes” under fear or pressure is not a real “yes.” Healthy relationships prioritize checking in, asking questions, and listening to boundaries.

If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, know that what happened to you is not your fault. You are not alone — and you deserve support, healing, and justice on your own terms.

• Reach out for help: Hotlines, support groups, crisis centers, and trained advocates can provide emotional and practical support.
• Consider medical care: A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) may be available if the assault was recent — and is free in many regions.
• Therapy and counseling: Trauma-informed mental health professionals can help you process what happened and begin healing.
• Legal options: You may choose to report the assault to law enforcement or seek civil action, but it is always your decision.
• Online resources: Many survivors find support through online communities, resource libraries, or educational platforms.

Healing looks different for every survivor. You may feel anger, sadness, confusion, numbness — or all of the above. That’s okay. There is no timeline or “correct” way to recover. Give yourself space, and lean on safe people or services when you’re ready.

Supporting a loved one after they’ve experienced sexual assault can be emotional and overwhelming. The most important thing you can do is listen without judgment and remind them: “I believe you. It wasn’t your fault. I’m here for you.”

• Let them guide the process: Don’t push them to report or take specific actions unless they want to.
• Be patient: Survivors may have trouble trusting, talking about their experience, or expressing emotions.
• Respect boundaries: Physical contact or certain questions may be triggering — always ask and respect their space.
• Educate yourself: Learning about trauma and consent helps you show up in informed, sensitive ways.
• Take care of yourself too: Supporting someone in crisis can be heavy. Seek support if you need it.

Your support can make a powerful difference in a survivor’s healing. Let them know they are not alone — and that there is hope.

If you work in schools, colleges, youth programs, healthcare, or advocacy, you have a unique opportunity to empower survivors and help prevent sexual violence through education and support.

• Teach consent clearly and early: Consent education should begin before adolescence and continue across age groups.
• Create safe spaces: Cultivate environments where survivors feel supported and where reporting is encouraged without fear of retaliation.
• Implement trauma-informed policies: Be sensitive to survivors’ needs in academic, healthcare, or legal settings.
• Engage in prevention programs: Promote healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and respect for boundaries.
• Stay informed: Keep updated with current laws, resources, and best practices.

Your efforts can help shift culture toward safety, dignity, and respect for all.