Sexual Assault

“Sexual abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually they don’t want to do. It can also refer to behavior that impacts a person’s ability to control their sexual activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs...

It is important to know that just because the victim “didn’t say no,” doesn’t mean that they meant “yes.” When someone does not resist an unwanted sexual advance, it doesn’t mean that they consented. Sometimes physically resisting can put a victim at a bigger risk for further physical or sexual abuse.

Some think that if the victim didn’t resist, that it doesn’t count as abuse. That’s not true. This myth is hurtful because it makes it more difficult for the victim to speak out and more likely that they will blame themselves. Whether they were intoxicated or felt pressured, intimidated or obligated to act a certain way, sexual assault/abuse is never the victim’s fault.”
_{https://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/ accessed 6/17/20}

If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, it is common to feel shame, depression, anxiety, and fear after the attack. It’s important to remember that things will get better. You can learn how to heal and thrive again.

When someone shares with you that they have been sexually assaulted, your caring response will make all the difference. It can be intimidating to sit in these emotionally vulnerable moments. More than anything else, they need your support.