Sexual assault and sexual abuse take many different forms. By definition, sexual assault is any type of sexual encounter without a person’s consent, including:
- rape
- attempted rape
- child molestation
- inappropriate touching
- incest (sexual contact between family members)
- voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts)
- indecent exposure
- sexual harassment
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. No matter who a victim is – woman, child or man – sexual assault is never their fault. No matter where or how it happens.
What To Do
- If you have been sexually assaulted, get away from your attacker to a safe place and call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Go to your nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
- Medical professionals are trained to screen you for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. They will also collect evidence that your attacker may have left behind.
- Victims of sexual assault are eligible to have the cost of these services paid for by the Sexual Assault Victims Emergency (SAVE) Fund » if they go to a hospital within 7 days of an assault.
- Hospital staff can connect you with a rape crisis center or counselor who will help you make decisions about reporting the attack to law enforcement.
For more information, contact a shelter or rape crisis center near you » or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
We recognize that people experiencing crime have varied needs. For information about other resources that may be helpful to you, please see 211info.org»