What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any sexual act done to another person without their consent.

Just because someone does not say “no” does not mean they have given consent. Consent is based on choice. Consent is active not passive. Consent is possible only when there is equal power. Giving in because of fear is not consent. Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are incapable of giving consent. Minors under the age of 18 are not legally able to give consent to sexual intercourse.

Sexual assault is a broad term used to describe many forms of sexual violence, including, but not limited to: sexual harassment, unwanted fondling or touching, indecent exposure, or rape.

Supporting Survivors

Being assaulted is often very frightening and it is not surprising that most people feel upset and find it difficult to cope.

If you or someone you know has been assaulted, you might notice a number of changes in how a person may think, feel and/or behave. Many survivors report having intense physical and emotional reactions following a sexual assault like feelings of isolation, guilt, shame, embarrassment, flashbacks, anger, fear and denial. Reactions may be different from other survivors. Talking to someone can make you feel less alone.

CLICK HERE here for helpful things you can say to your friend or family member who may be impacted by sexual assault.

Resources for Survivors of Assault

Free and Confidential Rape Crisis Services:

Community Solutions provides comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault in South Santa Clara County and San Benito County. All of our services are FREE. We offer a 24-hour confidential crisis line, crisis intervention services, medical and legal accompaniment, legal and personal advocacy, peer counseling, support groups, and linkages to resources and referrals. Survivors can connect with Community Solutions by calling our 24-hour confidential crisis line at 1 (877) 363-7238 or visit our Morgan Hill or Hollister offices Monday-Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. Learn more: https://www.communitysolutions.org/help/sexual-assault/
YWCA of Golden Gate and Silicon Valley provides services to survivors in San Jose and North Santa Clara County. Visit their website to learn more: https://yourywca.org/
Use this link to find a local rape crisis center in your local area: https://www.valor.us/get-help/wpbdp_category/california/

Survivor Rights:

Download the Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/victimservices/ab1312-card.pdf

County Resources and Ways to Report

Report any crime to your local law enforcement by calling 911 or their non-emergency number
Learn about a medical forensic exam: https://health.santaclaracounty.gov/safe-program
Learn about the Children’s Advocacy Center where young survivors of abuse and neglect receive support from law enforcement, our medical partners, and advocacy services: https://da.santaclaracounty.gov/victim-services/childrens-advocacy-center-cac
Learn more about Victim Compensation which works to reduce the impact of crime on victims’ lives through reimbursement for crime-related expenses: https://victims.ca.gov/for-victims/

Preventing Sexual Assault: Everyone Can Help

Talk to Your Children

Talking to our children about their bodily autonomy, boundaries, respectful sexuality, and healthy relationships. You can check out our parent handbooks with great information and resources on ways to start these conversations. Click here to download our parent handbook: “Talking to Your Kids about Healthy Relationships.”

Or check out these great videos to start the conversation:

Call Attention to Harmful Behavior

If you see behavior that is not healthy, say so and talk about it. For example, someone making harassing remarks about someone’s body, touching someone inappropriately, or someone making inappropriate gestures. Let your friend or family member know how their behavior can be harmful to someone and the consequences it can bring. Or share resources and information about mental health services and encourage your friend or family member to seek support before their behavior escalates.

Support & Advocate

Support access and advocate for prevention education in our schools and community so that more youth and adults can learn about and practice healthy relationships.

Learn More

Check out these resources to learn more about sexual assault:

24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 877-363-7238

If you or someone you know needs support, call Community Solutions at 877-363-7238 to speak with a confidential advocate. We offer free support services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner abuse/domestic violence, and human trafficking. Services include: confidential shelter, safety planning, counseling, accompaniment, assistance with restraining orders, and much more.

“ At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone. ”

Luz, age 50, Solutions to Violence

“ [Community Solutions] helped me with my problems and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it. ”

Serena, age 15, Child & Youth Behavioral Health

“ I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps. ”

Jin, age 62, Adult Behavioral Health

“ Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot. ”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Supporting Survivors & Preventing Assault