Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault? (Penal Code 22.011; 22.021)

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault and is usually defined as any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact by one person against another. It may involve force, intimidation, manipulation or coercion.

Local Services for Survivors

If you have been sexually assaulted and are seeking help and information there are several Rape Crisis Centers in the area that provide free and confidential services, including counseling. Those services include:

• A 24 hour crisis hotline
• Crisis Intervention
• Hospital advocacy and escort
• Law enforcement advocacy and escort
• Legal advocacy and court escort

The local sexual assault centers include:

Survivors of sexual assault may experience emotional reactions such as guilt, anger, confusion, fear, shame, depression, rage. Victims may feel guilty because they think they didn't say no forcefully enough or fight the attacker. They may believe they allowed the offense to happen. They may experience anger against loved ones or acquaintances or act out in their anguish after the event.

Victims often fear that the attacker will return and may experience difficulties sleeping and eating, may fear being alone and may find it difficult to resume normal sexual relations. Other common stress reactions include difficulty concentrating and in making decisions.

We all cope with traumatic events in our own way. So if you feel like crying it's ok. It is normal to respond to a traumatic event with strong emotional reactions. These reactions may last for a few days, a few weeks or even months. This is not a sign of weakness or mental instability.

It is the sign that a normal person is having a normal reaction to a very abnormal event.

Reporting Sexual Assault

You are not required to make a report. You can decide what is right for you. But whether you report or not, you can receive free and confidential services from local sexual assault programs.