Hotline Services
If you, a friend or a family member has been sexually assaulted, call us for help. Trained SATC crisis workers are on duty 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide confidential support, information and advocacy.
Types of Sexual Violence
Understanding different forms of sexual harm and consent
Sexual violence can take many forms, and experiences do not always fit neatly into one definition. This page offers clear, respectful guidance to help you understand different types of sexual violence, whether you are seeking clarity for yourself, supporting someone else or trying to make sense of what happened.
You do not need to label your experience to get support, and help is available at any point.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault generally refers to sexual contact or penetration without consent. It can involve force, threats, pressure, manipulation or situations where someone is unable to consent.
Sexual assault can happen between people who know each other or strangers, and it can occur in homes, workplaces, schools or public spaces.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse often refers to ongoing or repeated sexual harm, especially involving children, teens, older adults or people with disabilities. It may involve exploitation, coercion or misuse of power or trust.
Abuse often happens within families, caregiving relationships or other settings where trust is expected.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, gestures, exposure or behavior that creates discomfort, fear or a hostile environment. It can occur in workplaces, schools, public spaces or online.
Physical contact is not required for sexual harassment to be harmful.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse involves any sexual activity with a minor who cannot legally or developmentally consent. This includes contact and noncontact acts and often involves someone the child knows.
Support is available for children, teens and nonoffending caregivers.
Online and Technology-Facilitated Sexual Harm
Sexual harm can also happen online. This may include harassment, exploitation, sharing images without consent or grooming.
Online harm is real harm, and support is available.
If You’re Not Sure What Applies
Many people feel uncertain about how to describe what happened, and that is okay. These terms are meant to support understanding, not define or limit your experience.
If you would like to talk through questions or explore support options, SATC advocates are available.
Get Help Now
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Medical Care
Medical care following a sexual assault is important even if you have no visible injuries. Medical Care is available to adults and minors, females and males.
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Crisis Counseling
A sexual assault can be a devastating physical and emotional experience. Dealing with the trauma of a sexual assault can be difficult as many emotions arise.
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Clinical Therapy
The SATC provides individual and family therapy, victim support services and legal systems advocacy for children, adolescents and adults. We have experienced professional therapists to help with your healing.