Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault occurs anytime a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual contact, attempted or completed, without consent. Consensual sex happens when both partners are freely and willingly agreeing, or consenting, to whatever sexual activity is occurring. Sex without consent is sexual assault/rape.

A person has not given or may not give consent when:

+ They are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

+ There is force or the threat to use force

+ They are unable to understand the nature of the act

+ They are a minor, less than 17 in most cases

+ They are coerced or persuaded to change their mind.

Never assume you have consent; you NEED to ask

+ Lack of a “no” is not a “yes.”

+ “Yes” should be a clear “yes.”

+ If someone is intoxicated, they cannot legally consent to sex; having sex with someone who is intoxicated is RAPE.

+ Forcing sex without consent in marriage or in a dating relationship is also sexual assault.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are never just a women’s issue. It’s a human and social issue affecting men, women, children, victims, their families, friends, our communities, and everyone.