Immediate Help
The First Things You Should Know
You have the right to decide who can touch you in a sexual way. While that may seem obvious, situations can arise that make that seem less clear. You have the right to say "no" to anything that makes you uncomfortable no matter who does it or in what situation it takes place. A violation of that is not your fault.
A sexual assault, whether by a stranger or an acquaintance, can be very frightening and disorienting. It happens to all people regardless of sexual orientation or sexual identification. Survivors of sexual assault are often confused about what they should do next, and many question whether what happened was really rape at all, especially if the assailant was someone they knew or with whom they've had a relationship. Survivors of sexual assault are also often frightened to call or tell someone else because they worry that they will not be believed or because they are ashamed or feel responsible. If you have been sexually assaulted or raped it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that you have the right to receive assistance from people who will believe you and help you in your recovery.
