What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault includes any sexual activity involving someone who did not or could not (due to age or incapacitation) give consent. Sexual assault is about power and control. It is a violent assault acted out in a sexual way.
SafePlace uses the term "sexual assault" as an umbrella term for many types of rape, date or acquaintance rape, stranger rape, incest, molestation, child sexual abuse, statutory rape, sexual (or street) harassment, sexual coercion, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Sexual abuse crosses racial, religious, cultural, sexual and gender lines. It impacts children, youth, adults and the elderly throughout our country. Statistics show that three out of four survivors are assaulted by someone they know, an acquaintance, family member, friend, dating partner or spouse. Even worse, ninety percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows.
SafePlace uses the term "sexual assault" as an umbrella term for many types of rape, date or acquaintance rape, stranger rape, incest, molestation, child sexual abuse, statutory rape, sexual (or street) harassment, sexual coercion, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Sexual abuse crosses racial, religious, cultural, sexual and gender lines. It impacts children, youth, adults and the elderly throughout our country. Statistics show that three out of four survivors are assaulted by someone they know, an acquaintance, family member, friend, dating partner or spouse. Even worse, ninety percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows.
What to do if you've been assaulted
If you're in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. For assistance and support with medical examinations and appointments, call our 24 Hour HelpLine and ask to be connected with a SARP Advocate. Our Legal Advocates are just a phone call away as well, who can help guide you through the complications of paperwork and court appointments.
