What is Sexual Assault?
Any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact forced on an individual by someone else. Find out more information from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Rape
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Molestation
Non-consensual or forced sex with someone. Rape can include forcing a body part or object into the vagina, rectum, or mouth. A perpetrator may be someone you know (an acquaintance), a family member, someone you are in an intimate relationship with, or a stranger.
Molestation
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Molestation
The act of sexual touching that is unwanted or non-consensual. This term is mostly used in the case of children or juveniles.
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Occurs when a mind-altering substance is administered to the victim without his/her knowledge or consent and a sexual assault occurs.
Sexual Assault Reactions
After a sexual assault, survivors can experience a wide range of reactions—emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to respond. Reactions can vary immediately after the assault and may change over time.
Emotional Reactions
- Shock, disbelief, or feeling numb
- Fear, anxiety, or a sense of being unsafe
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Anger or irritability
- Sadness, depression, or hopelessness
- Difficulty trusting others
Cognitive (Thought) Reactions
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the assault
- Confusion or difficulty processing what happened
- Questioning one’s own memory or minimizing the experience
Physical Reactions
- Changes in sleep (insomnia or sleeping more than usual)
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches, stomach aches, or other stress-related symptoms
- Heightened startle response (feeling “on edge”)
Behavioral Reactions
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or normal activities
- Avoiding places, people, or situations that feel triggering
- Increased use of alcohol or substances as a coping mechanism
- Changes in sexual activity or comfort with physical touch
Responses
Some survivors may experience symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, including:
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Hypervigilance (constantly feeling alert or in danger)
- Emotional numbness or detachment
Important to Remember
- These reactions are normal responses to trauma, not signs of weakness.
- Survivors may experience some, all, or none of these reactions.
- Healing is not linear—responses can come and go over time.
- Support from trained advocates, counselors, or trusted individuals can make a significant difference.
Services
24-Hour Crisis Line
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
24-Hour Crisis Line
Trained staff available to answer sexual assault crisis calls 24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
Counseling
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
24-Hour Crisis Line
Individual and group counseling for adult and child survivors of sexual violence and their family, and friends.
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
Assist survivors of sexual violence in obtaining temporary restraining orders.
Additionally, provides civil legal remedies and representation to survivors of sexual violence during protective order hearings. Income guidelines apply.
Medical Advocacy
Forensic Medical Examination
Legal Advocacy/Assistance
Provides support and advocacy for survivors during a forensic medical exam.
Forensic Medical Examination
Forensic Medical Examination
Forensic Medical Examination
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) provide evidentiary forensic medical exams to survivors of sexual assault. The SANE’s are called to the emergency rooms to interview, collect evidence, and document the findings of the assault.
Community Education
Forensic Medical Examination
Forensic Medical Examination
Provides presentations, workshops, and training sessions to raise awareness and educate the community about sexual violence.
For more information regarding counseling services contact Paige Pellegrin at 985-872-0757 and for all other inquires, please call the crisis line number below:
Call 1.800.777.8868
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