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Rape and Sexual Assault

It's not your fault.

1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men experience sexual violence during their lifetime. (CDC 2015)

  • You are not alone
  • You are not to blame
  • You do not deserve to be treated this way
  • You have rights
  • You can get help

Signs of Abuse

Understanding Rape and Sexual Assault

  • Sexual assault can occur between people of different genders (sex), or of the same gender.
  • Even if the person was your date, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or someone you live with, they still need your consent.
  • Recovering from sexual assault takes time, and how recovery happens will be different for everyone.

Sexual Assault Includes:

  • Being forced to watch porn when you don’t want to.
  • Being touched in a sexual manner against your will, regardless of where you were touched.
  • Being prevented from using a condom or other protection during sex.
  • Someone putting a penis, finger or object in your vagina, mouth or anus when you didn’t want them to.

You Did Not Give Consent if You:

  • Were pressured, intimidated or forced  to do sexual things you didn’t want to do.
  • Were incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol.
  • Changed your mind about engaging in sexual activity.

Coercion in Rape and Sexual Assault

Coercion is being pressured or forced to do something sexual you did not want to do. Any sexual activity that involves coercion is sexual assault.

Some forms of coercion are:

  • Use of threats (i.e., if you don’t do this, I’ll get you in trouble)
  • Intimidation (with looks, gestures, or body language)
  • Encouraging or forcing you to drink or do drugs
  • Use of a weapon
  • Underlying threat of violence if you don’t submit (if there’s been violence in the past, for example)
  • Not respecting someone saying “no” or “stop”
  • Making you feel like you owe the person sex

Learn why abuse is never OK, and “enough is enough.”

Donna’s Story: You are Never Alone and it is Not Your Fault

Donna suffered recurring, traumatic memories of being sexually assaulted until someone at our Community Program helped her cope and overcome.
Read Donna's Story →

Our Programs

Hotlines

For many survivors of violence, the journey to safety and healing starts with a simple phone call.

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SafeChat

Safe Horizon client advocates are now available by chat to offer information, advocacy, and support to people who have been impacted by violence, crime, and abuse.

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Community Programs

Find the guidance and resources you want and need.

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Counseling Center

Help to overcome the impact of abuse.

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Criminal Court Programs

We help victims of crime or violence navigate the criminal justice system.

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Project SAFE Lock Replacement

Feel safe in your own home.

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