Sexual Assault isn’t always obvious and it doesn’t only mean forced sex. It includes any unwanted sexual contact, like kissing, touching, or pressure to do something sexual when you don’t want to. Consent matters in every situation, every time.
You are not alone
In the United States, sexual violence is more common than people realize. And although it might be depicted being done by a stranger, often times survivors report that it was done by someone they have a close relationship with.
- About 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime
- Transgender and non-binary people experience even higher rates
If you think something that happened to you might count as sexual assault, your experience is valid. You are not alone and support is available.
But first what does a healthy relationship look like?
Understanding what’s healthy can help you recognize when something isn’t.
A healthy relationship should feel
- Physically and emotionally safe
- Respectful of your boundaries
- Supportive, not controlling
- Having honest and open communication
You should feel like you can say “no” without fear and that your “no” will be respected. Organizations like Love is Respect offer tools and quizzes to help you check in with your relationships.
Types of abuse to be aware of
Sexual violence can show up in different ways:
- Physical abuse: any unwanted or forced contact
- Emotional abuse: Manipulation, insults, or control that impacts your self-worth.
- Sexual coercion: Being pressured, guilted, or forced into sexual activity
- Digital abuse: Using tech (texting, social media, tracking apps) to harass, control, or intimidate someone
Technology has also created new risks:
- Sextortion: Threatening to share private images unless you comply with demands
- AI-generated harm: Fake explicit images or videos made without your consent (sometimes called deepfakes)
***Note: Any explicit content involving minors is illegal and considered abuse.
If something has happened to you
Recognizing harm can be difficult. You might question yourself or minimize what happened, but your feelings and experiences matter.
There are people and organizations ready to support you.
- RAINN.org
- Trans Lifeline
- Trevor Project
- Love is Respect
- Takeitdown.ncmec.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence
Reaching out can feel hard, but you don’t have to figure this out on your own. It is important to remember that it is not your fault, you are not alone, and there are people who can support you.