Understanding Sexual Assault
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any type of forced or coerced sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. Sexual assault includes rape and attempted rape (such as forced vaginal, anal or oral penetration or drug facilitated sexual assault), child molestation, sexual harassment or threats, groping, forced kissing, or sexual exploitation.
What is Consent?
con-sent
NOUN
1. permission for something to happen or agreement to do something:
VERB
2. give permission for something to happen:
If fear is in the room, consent is not.
Who are the Survivors?
- 1 in 6 American women is a survivor of sexual assault, and 1 in 25 men.
- Girls and women between the ages of 15 and 25 are at the greatest risk of sexual assault.
- Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes, with more than half (59%) not reported.
Sexual Assault Is Never The Survivor’s Fault
Survivors may experience many different feelings after they have been assaulted. Some of the emotions that are commonly experienced include:
- Shock
- Anger
- Embarrassment
- Depression
- Blame
- Mistrust in people
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Denial
Healing and Recovery
Recovery takes time, and the process is different for everyone. SPARCC provides specially trained advocates who will listen and offer assistance.
