What is Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual assault is any kind of unwanted sexual activity, from touching to rape. If you have been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault, and you are not alone. You can get help.

What does sexual assault include?

Sexual assault can include:

Any type of sexual contact with someone who cannot consent, such as someone who is underage (as defined by state laws), has an intellectual disability, or is passed out (such as from drugs or alcohol) or unable to respond (such as from sleeping)
Any type of sexual contact with someone who does not consent
Rape
Attempted rape
Sexual coercion
Sexual contact with a child
Fondling or unwanted touching above or under clothes

Sexual assault can also be verbal, visual, or non-contact. It is anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual activities or attention. Other examples can include:

Voyeurism, or peeping (when someone watches private sexual acts without consent)
Exhibitionism (when someone exposes himself or herself in public)
Sexual harassment or threats
Forcing someone to pose for sexual pictures
Sending someone unwanted texts or “sexts” (texting sexual photos or messages)

What is Consent

Consent is a clear “yes” to sexual activity. Not saying “no” does not mean you have given consent. Sexual contact without consent is sexual assault or rape.

Your consent means:

You know and understand what is going on (you are not unconscious, blacked out, asleep, underage, or have an intellectual disability).
You know what you want to do.
You are able to say what you want to do or don’t want to do.
You are aware that you are giving consent (and are not impaired by alcohol or drugs).

Sometimes you cannot give legal consent to sexual activity or contact — for example, if you are:

Threatened, forced, coerced, or manipulated into agreeing
Not physically able to (you are drunk, high, drugged, passed out, or asleep)
Not mentally able to (due to illness or disability)
Under the age of legal consent, which varies by state(link is external)

Remember:

Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time question. If you consent to sexual activity, you can change your mind and choose to stop at any time, even after sexual activity has started.
Past consent does not mean future consent. Giving consent in the past to sexual activity does not mean your past consent applies now or in the future.
Saying “yes” to a sexual activity is not consent for all types of sexual activity. If you consent to sexual activity, it is only for types of sexual activities that you are comfortable with at that time with that partner. For example, giving consent for kissing does not mean you are giving consent for someone to remove your clothes.

Contact Haven to discuss any questions you might have we’re always here to listen.

If you see something – or have questions – call! Our advocates are always here to listen and walk you through the next steps.

If you are able please call or see the messaging links above:

Haven Office: 918-554-2836

Text Line: 918.533.3070

Crime Victim Advocate: 541.602.0616

Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/

Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net

Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram.

Our advocates are here to help!