What is Sexual Assault?

Unwanted Sexual Contact

Sexual Assault is any sexual contact that is unwanted, and occurs without a person's consent. A sexual act is non-consensual if it is compelled through coercion, manipulation, force, threats, intimidation, or helplessness. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Someone having sex with you when you are high or drunk
• Telling you that they will spread rumors about you if you do not perform oral sex
• Forcing you to touch or be touched when you do not want to
• Continuing to pressure you for sex, despite your resistance or uncertainty, until you finally give in
• Stalking, harassment, exhibitionism.

Sexual assault can be committed by:

• Someone the survivor knows, such as a dating partner, friend, classmate, or relative
• More than one assailant
• Someone the survivor has never met
• Someone of the same sex

Sexual assault is not about sexual orientation or desire; it is about power and control.