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Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual contact. These acts may include coercion (being persuaded or manipulated into having sex) or acquaintance rape (being forced to have sex by someone known or familiar). Sexual assault includes a wide range of victimizations, which include but are not limited to, rape or attempted rape. These crimes include completed or attempted attacks that generally involve unwanted sexual contact between the victim and offender.

The term “sexual assault” is intended to better represent the scope of the problem than “rape” does, because sexual assault is not limited to penetration.

  • Sexual assaults may involve coercion or threats, rather than physical force.
  • Sexual assault can include grabbing or fondling.
  • “Rape” means the: forced or coerced penetration of a person's vagina or anus, no matter how slight, or any forced or coerced contact between the mouth, genitals or anus.
  • “Without Consent” means: the victim was compelled to submit by force or threat of force, or other coercion.

A person is considered incapable of consent when:

  • Mentally disabled
  • Physically helpless
  • Incapacitated, which includes intoxication by alcohol and/or drugs

HAVEN serves the community through a series of innovative intervention, prevention and education programs with the purpose of eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence and stalking, one family at a time.

If you suspect a loved one is the victim of sexual assault, please contact HAVEN at any time.

It is important to learn as much as possible about the impact and effects of sexual assault. Being present and bearing witness to someone's trauma and story empowers and, validates that person, and shows concern.

For information about family-protection (restraining orders), call the HAVEN office.













The information found on this site is not to replace the one-on-one advocacy and services HAVEN provides. The visitor agrees not to hold HAVEN From Domestic Violence responsible for any damages that might result from using information provided on this site.

If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

HAVEN is a United Way Agency

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