What Is Sexual Assaultlt?


Any unwanted sexual activity is not okay!t ok!

Sexual assault occurs when one person forces, tricks or coerces another person into engaging in a sexual activity that she/he does not willingly consent to be involved in.


Types of Sexual Assault

  • Date/acquaintance rape
  • Marital rape
  • Stranger rape
  • Gang rape
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Incest
  • Same-sex assault
  • Sexual harassment
  • Obscene telephone calls
  • Indecent exposure
  • Sexual exploitation of clients by professionals
  • Clergy sexual abuse
  • Ritual and cult abuse

The range of physical contact in each type of sexual assault can differ. The unwanted behavior or activity may involve verbal remarks, touching of body parts, and/or anal, vaginal, or oral penetration. Any unwanted sexual activity is NOT ok!


Common Reactions

Sexual assault occurs when one person forces, tricks or coerces another person into engaging in a sexual activity that she/he does not willingly consent to be involved in.

  • Feelings of powerlessness
  • Self-blame
  • Shame
  • Embarrassment
  • Fear
  • Confusion
  • Poor concentration
  • Anger
  • Stress related illness
  • Emotional numbness
  • Difficulties with intimate relationships
  • Sexual assault may have devastating effects

No one deserves to be sexually assaulted. It does not matter what your gender, race, economic background, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or appearance is -SEXUAL ASSAULT IS A CRIME OF VIOLENCE! It is never the victim's fault!


Contact Us

Email us at: pavsa@pavsa.org
Program Website: www.pavsa.org
Business Phone:  218-726-1442
24-Hour Crisis Line Phone:  218-726-1931 or Toll Free at:  1-866-229-7425

Office Location
32 East 1st Street
Suite 200
Duluth, Minnesota 55802

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