What is Sexual Assault? 

What is Sexual Assault?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The purpose of SAAM is to increase public understanding of sexual assault and encourage communities to help prevent sexual violence. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, sexual assault is any type of sexual activity or contact that occurs without consent. It can involve physical force, threats, coercion, or situations in which a person is unable to give consent. Sexual assault includes rape and other forms of unwanted sexual contact.

Sexual violence is unfortunately common. The Office on Women’s Health reports that one in three women in the United States has experienced some type of sexual violence. If you have experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault, regardless of the circumstances.

Sexual violence can also occur within dating relationships, marriages, or other intimate relationships. Feeling pressured, threatened, manipulated, or forced into sexual activity is not consent. A person can also withdraw consent at any time.

RAINN reports that many sexual assaults are never reported to law enforcement. Current data cited by RAINN indicates that about 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police.

Sexual assault can affect a person physically and emotionally. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, difficulty sleeping, fear, substance use concerns, or other effects. Every person responds differently, and support is available.

A pregnancy resulting from sexual violence may bring additional emotions and difficult decisions. If you are pregnant after experiencing sexual assault, you deserve accurate information, compassionate support, and the freedom to consider your pregnancy options without pressure.

Soundview offers confidential, nonjudgmental support for individuals navigating pregnancy after sexual violence. Our team is here to listen, provide information about your pregnancy options, and connect you with resources that may be helpful to your individual situation.

Pregnancy testing and, if eligible, ultrasound services are available through an independent, onsite medical office. If you would like support or information about your next steps, contact Soundview to schedule a confidential appointment.