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"Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent. A person may use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.
Forms of sexual violence include:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Child sexual assault and incest
- Sexual assault by a person’s spouse or partner
- Unwanted sexual contact/touching
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual exploitation and trafficking
- Exposing one’s genitals or naked body to other(s) without consent
- Masturbating in public
- Watching someone engage in private acts without their knowledge or permission
- Nonconsensual image sharing"
If you believe you have been the victim of sexual assault:
Remember you are not alone. 44% of women and 23% of men will experience some form of sexual violence.[1]
You can get help that does not include law enforcement. Though there are a couple of exceptions (reporting child sexual abuse or expired statute of limitations) it is generally up to you whether or not you want to pursue contact with law enforcement regarding an assault. The Strafford County Family Justice Center and HAVEN advocates can help support you while you make a decision. For more information about the process of reporting a sexual assault please watch this video:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss6308.pdf