what is sexual assault & abuse?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that you do not want or agree to. It ranges from inappropriate touching to penetration or intercourse. It also can be verbal, visual, audio or any other form which forces a person to participate in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Sexual assault includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, voyeurism, exhibitionism, incest, and sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations, such as: date rape, domestic or intimate partner violence, or by a stranger. All forms of sexual assault are crimes.

Sexual assault is an act of power and control and is not related to sexual urge. The offender, who often is an intimate partner, acquaintance, or family member, may plan the assault ahead of time. Nearly 6 out of 10 rape or sexual assault incidents are reported by victims to have occurred in their own home or at the home of a friend, relative or neighbor (U.S. Department of Justice). No matter who attacks you, sexual assault is a crime.

Unfortunately, rape or sexual assault is the violent crime least often reported to law enforcement. Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to the police. In a survey of victims who did not report rape or attempted rape to the police, victims gave the following reasons for not making a report: 43% thought nothing could be done; 27% thought it was a private matter; 12% were afraid of police response; and 12% thought it was not important enough. Remember, sexual assault is against the law. You have the right to report this crime to the police, and to be treated fairly.