Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term "survivor" for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are most comfortable with. Sexual assault is defined as any nonconsensual sexual contact involving force upon a person without consent.
Assault does not have to be penetrative: it includes both fondling and molestation. Sexual assault is considered rape when it involves oral, anal, or vaginal penetration. The contact is also illegal if inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent, because of age, physical incapacity, or mental incapacity. A person may experience sexual assault from a friend, romantic partner, or family member, but regardless of relation, unwanted sexual contact is not okay.
Consent should be very clear in a sexual encounter. If the person you are with does not obtain an enthusiastic yes, there is no consent.
Silence cannot be considered consent in any situation. About two thirds of survivors know their attacker, and few attacks occur from complete strangers.
We encourage you to consider calling the police at this stage, because the earlier you report the assault, the more likely authorities are to catch the attacker. If you want to call a friend or loved one, go ahead. Take however long you need to tell them the full story. Request that they come and stay with you, or consider asking to stay with them if that makes you feel safer or at ease. If you find yourself in shock, continue to breathe deeply until you are able to process your thoughts.
