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.

What is consent?

Consent is permission or communicated willingness to engage.

Consent cannot be given when:Intoxicated (drunk or high)Passed outMentally or physically impairedCoercedThreatenedUnderageOne person is in a position of authority

Consent cannot be given when:

  • Intoxicated (drunk or high)

  • Passed out

  • Mentally or physically impaired

  • Coerced

  • Threatened

  • Underage

  • One person is in a position of authority

 
Sexual violence can include:Forcing the victim to do any sexual act that they do not want to doRape, attempting to rapeMaking the victim afraid to refuse sexForcing the victim to have sex with other peopleDenying or sabotaging contraceptionThreateni…

Sexual violence can include:

  • 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)

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.

 What can you do if you are a victim of sexual assault?

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  • 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.

What can you do to help a victim of sexual assault?

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Believe

Be supportive, listen, and tell them you will be there for them.

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Affirm their feelings

Let them know that whatever they are feeling is okay, and it isn’t their fault.

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Encourage

your friend to get help. Oftentimes, victims want guilt and negative feelings to go away, but usually they get worse over time.

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Discover resources

Guide them to resources that can help.

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.

Center for Survivors
advocates are available
to help you with
free and confidential services!

Call 402-564-2155 or 1-800-658-4482

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