SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Understanding sexual violence.
Sexual violence can take many forms. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and in many different circumstances.
If something happened to you, you do not have to decide what to call it before reaching out for support.
You do not have to have all the words.
You deserve to be heard and supported.
Be Believed Here.WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE?
Sexual violence is any sexual activity without freely given consent.
It can involve physical contact, coercion, pressure, threats, exploitation, technology, or situations where someone is unable to freely consent.
Sexual violence is never defined by how someone reacted, whether they knew the person, what they were wearing, whether alcohol or drugs were involved, or whether they reported.
Sexual violence is not always committed by a stranger.
A person who causes harm may be a partner, spouse, date, friend, acquaintance, family member, coworker, classmate, caregiver, or someone else the survivor knows.
EXAMPLES
Sexual violence can include many different experiences.
These examples are not a complete list.
Sexual Assault
Sexual contact or activity without freely given consent.
Rape
Nonconsensual sexual penetration or attempted penetration.
Sexual Coercion
Pressure, manipulation, threats, or repeated attempts used to obtain sexual activity.
Unwanted Sexual Contact
Unwanted touching, grabbing, kissing, or other sexual contact.
Technology Facilitated Abuse
Sharing intimate images without consent, sextortion, sexual exploitation, or other technology facilitated harm.
Sexual Exploitation
Taking advantage of another person for sexual purposes or benefit without meaningful consent.
TRAUMA RESPONSES
There is no single way a person responds to trauma.
Reactions during or after sexual violence can vary widely. Some responses happen automatically as the body tries to survive or manage danger.
Fighting back
Responding with confrontation, resistance, anger, or physical defense.
Trying to get away
Escaping, avoiding, leaving, or trying to create distance from a threatening situation.
Feeling unable to move or respond
The body may become still, numb, quiet, or unable to react as expected.
Trying to reduce danger
Agreeing, complying, appeasing, or trying to keep another person calm in order to survive the situation.
AFTER SEXUAL VIOLENCE
People may experience many different reactions.
There is no correct timeline or expected way to feel. Reactions can appear immediately or develop later, and they may change over time.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
Support is available regardless of who you are.
SAAP provides free, confidential support and advocacy to survivors of sexual violence of all ages and genders, as well as their loved ones.
You can reach out even if…
- You are unsure how to describe what happened.
- It happened a long time ago.
- You knew or were dating the person.
- You do not want to involve law enforcement.
- You are supporting someone else.
- You only have questions right now.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Start with the information that feels helpful.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE 24/7