Every 73 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
Sexual assault is any attempted or completed sexual act against a person’s will or against a person who is unable to give consent (giving permission or saying Yes!). Consent is a voluntary, mutual, informed, active, and ongoing agreement between legal aged participants to engage in sexual activity and can be reversed at any time.
Sexual assault includes everything from harassment and indecent exposure to child molestation, incest, Intimate Partner Violence, and rape. It is motivated by the need to control, humiliate, and harm. Sexual Assault can happen to anyone; rich or poor, any race, any age, any gender.
Sexual assault of any type can be a very traumatic experience, even if you’re able to get away from the attacker. If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s important to remember:
- It’s not your fault: Sexual assault is always the attacker’s fault, not yours. People never “ask for it” because of what they’re wearing or how they act. If sex is forced without someone’s consent, it’s rape. It’s still rape if the people are dating, married or have had sex together before. Remember that you never “owe” someone sex.
- Sexual assault isn’t always violent: If you say no or don’t say anything at all, and the person continues, it’s sexual assault because you never gave your permission. This is true if you are tricked, pressured, threatened or forced; even if you don’t resist.
- Sexual assault isn’t always about sex: Sex without consent is an act of violence and aggression — it’s not about love and respect. Someone who cares about you will not force you to do anything sexual without your permission.
- Recovering from sexual assault takes time, and how recovery happens will be different for everyone.
How can Family Sunshine Center help?
Do you feel unsafe now?
Call us at 334.263.0128. Our crisis advocates are available 24/7 to provide information, advocacy, and support. You can also call the police/911 if you feel unsafe and need immediate help.
Learn more…
Do you have a safe place to sleep?
Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep, eat, and live. We provide short-term, emergency, and safe shelter for anyone fleeing from sexual violence.
Learn more…
Do you want to talk to someone?
We provide the counseling and services you need to start your recovery. We want you to know that we believe you, we support you, and we will stand by your side every step of the way.
Learn more…
There is never a cost to you for our services.