What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including:
- Inappropriate touching
- Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
- Sexual intercourse that you say no to
- Rape
- Attempted rape
- Child molestation
Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples of this are voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts), exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself in public), incest (sexual contact between family members), and sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations: in the home by someone you know, on a date, or by a stranger in an isolated place.
Rape and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault — no matter where or how it happens.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused or sexually assaulted, please contact CARDV at 573.642.4422 or toll free at 866.642.4422 to talk to someone about it.
