SEXUAL ABUSE

A pattern of behaviors used to manipulate, control or influence an intimate partner sexually to have power over that person. It may or may not involve physical abuse or other types of abuse. It can refer to any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact with you by your romantic or sexual partner.

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KNOW THE FACTS

  • Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.
    Every 9 minutes that victim is a child.
  • 55% occur at or near the victim’s home
  • 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 33 men experience sexual violence/assault
  • 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows
  • 48% were sleeping or doing another activity at home
  • 15% occur at an open public place
  • 8% occur on school property

Recognize the Signs

  • Awareness of manipulation tactics that are not in your comfort zone
  • Sending unwanted sexual texts or photos
  • Making degrading sexual taunts
  • Peeping or exposing oneself
  • Unwanted sexual touching
  • Coerced or forced to have oral, anal or vaginal sex
  • Forced to watch or make pornography
  • Forced to put objects into your vagina or anus
  • Forced to participate in group sex, or with another person, or with your partner watching, or in front of children
  • Forced to perform sex acts on an animal or object or with a weapon

WHAT IS CONSENT?

 A clear affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement that can not be given by someone underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or if asleep or unconscious.

No one is pressuring you, forcing you or threatening you.

Consent is a clear YES to sexual activity. And NOT saying no, does not give consent!

What does not confirm consent:

  • Silence
  • Having consented before
  • Being in a relationship
  • Under the influence
  • Not fighting back
  • Sexy clothing, dancing, or flirting
  • Changing your mind at anytime

How to prevent sexual abuse

  • Go to parties or gatherings with friends
  • Meet in public places
  • Listen to your instincts/gut feelings
  • Look out for your friends and they should look out for you
  • Have a code word with family and friends for them to come and get you or to call 9-1-1
  • Download safety apps
  • Be aware of how much you are drinking and never leave your drink unattended. Drinks can be easily drugged
  • Be aware of your surroundings

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASSAULTED:

  • Get to a safe place and call 9-1-1 if you can
  • Don’t wash or clean your body
  • Get medical care at the nearest hospital emergency room
  • Let medical personnel or police authorities know if you think you were also drugged
  • Try to remember and write down as many details as you can
  • If you were raped, let medical personnel complete a rape kit immediately at the hospital

For help please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline:

1.800.656.HOPE (4673)