Sexual Assault Is
Never The Victim’s
Fault.

Sexual assault is any sexual act done against your will, without your consent, or when you are unable to freely give consent. Sexual assault is not about sex. It is about power and control over another person. It includes rape, sexual abuse, same-sex assault, acquaintance rape, harassment, and marital rape.

1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males have been victims of an attempted or completed rape. While anyone can be the victim of sexual assault, statistically speaking, females are victimized at a much higher rate.

As long as child abuse is not present, Center for Survivors does not require law enforcement involvement in a sexual assault. We are victim-centered and will help victims with resources to support their decisions.

Helpful Information

Sexual assault is any sexual act done against your will, without your consent, or when you are unable to freely give consent. Sexual assault is not about sex. It is about power and control over another person. It includes rape, sexual abuse, same-sex assault, acquaintance rape, harassment, and marital rape.

Remember: If you have consented to sexual activity in the past, it does not mean that you consent to having sex again. Forcing you to do so is sexual abuse.

Consent is permission or communicated willingness to engage.

Remember: If you have consented to sexual activity in the past, it does not mean that you consent to having sex again. Forcing you to do so is sexual abuse.

  • Intoxicated (drunk or high)

  • Passed out

  • Mentally or physically impaired

  • Coerced

  • Threatened

  • Underage

  • One person is in a position of authority

  • Forcing the victim to do any sexual act that they do not want to do

  • Rape, attempting to rape

  • Making the victim afraid to refuse sex

  • Forcing the victim to have sex with other people

  • Denying or sabotaging contraception

  • Threatening to share intimate photos/information

  • Using alcohol or drugs to reduce a victim’s ability to consent to sex

In regards to what is commonly referred to as ‘statutory rape’: Any person who subjects another person to sexual penetration when the actor is nineteen years of age or older and the victim is at least twelve, but less than sixteen years of age is guilty of sexual assault in the first degree. (nebraskalegislature.gov)

  • Know that it is not your fault! No one asks or deserves to be raped!

  • Seek medical attention if needed.

  • Talk to someone you trust who can help.

  • Call a sexual assault agency or hotline. Most are free and confidential and can help you find resources.

  • Believe – Tell your friend you believe them. Be supportive, listen, and tell them you’ll be there for them.
  • Affirm – Let them know what they are feeling is okay, and it isn’t their fault. Acknowledge the courage it took for them to talk to someone about the abuse.
  • Support – No one asks or deserves to be hurt. Help your friend find ways to protect themselves from further abuse and look for safe allies of support.
  • Empower – Survivors of abuse often feel powerless and helpless. Encourage your friend to get help, but do not make decisions for them.
  • Refer – Work with your friend to find someone they can talk to safely, and look for resources your area (e.g., support group, advocate counselor, or crisis line).

We are
available by phone
24 hours a day,
365 days a year.

If you are a victim of abuse and need help, contact Center for Survivors directly by phone or in person. Individuals are also referred to us for services by law enforcement, Health and Human Services, and other community service organizations. Center for Survivors advocates are available to help you with free and confidential services!

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