What is Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is an act in which one intentionally sexually touches another person without that person's consent, or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will. Consent must be informed and given freely, and a person may change their mind at any time. Consent involves more than a yes or no. It includes dialogue about desires and levels of comfort with different sexual interactions. 

Victims of sexual assault include people of all races, ages, genders, religions, etc. The victim is never at fault. It does not matter how they were acting, what they were wearing, or the type of relationship they have with the perpetrator. Choosing to violate another person is a choice. 

While a majority of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by men against women, children, and other men, women do perpetuate sexual violence against other women, men, and children. Many people who have been sexually assaulted by women are worried that they may not be believed due to the idea held in society that only men can commit sexual offenses. This belief can deter survivors from seeking help and accessing services that may provide them justice. 

Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted tend to face additional challenges due to social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity. Many men feel shame or self-doubt, believing that they should have been “man enough” to fight off the perpetrator. They may also withdraw from social relationships and isolate themselves due to the fear of being ridiculed and judged for what happened to them. Homophobia can also cause men who have experienced male-on-male rape to withhold their stories due to the fear of having their sexuality perceived differently by others. If a man becomes sexually aroused, had an erection, or ejaculates during the sexual assault, he may fear that others might not believe he was raped. These type of reactions are involuntary and does not mean the person wanted to be sexually assaulted. If no consent was given, then the sexual interaction was unwarranted.