What is Sexual Assault?

understanding Sexual Violence: Breaking the Chains of Harm
Sexual violence is a deeply distressing and harmful act that involves the use of force, manipulation, coercion, or non-consensual actions to engage in any form of sexual activity. It is a violation of an individual's bodily autonomy and personal boundaries, causing immense physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. At Hope Haven, we are committed to shedding light on sexual violence, providing support to survivors, and working towards a world where consent, respect, and dignity prevail.

Forms of Sexual Violence: Sexual violence can take various forms, including rape, sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, and coercion. It can happen within relationships, during social interactions, in public spaces, or in the workplace. Recognizing these forms and understanding the dynamics of consent is essential in combating sexual violence.

Impact on Survivors: The aftermath of sexual violence can have profound effects on survivors' lives. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, feelings of shame, guilt, and fear are just a few of the many challenges survivors may face. It's important to remember that no survivor is responsible for the violence they experienced.

Support and Healing: Hope Haven is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors of sexual violence to heal and regain control over their lives. Our services encompass counseling, advocacy, empowerment programs, and resources tailored to survivors' needs. We believe in the strength of survivors and their capacity to overcome trauma.
Spreading Awareness: Increasing awareness about sexual violence is crucial in challenging harmful norms and attitudes that perpetuate this type of harm. By raising our collective voices and advocating for consent, respect, and education, we can create a culture that rejects sexual violence and supports survivors on their path to healing.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, remember that you are not alone. Hope Haven is here to stand by you, offering a compassionate space where healing, empowerment, and recovery can take place. Together, we can work towards a future where sexual violence is eradicated and replaced with understanding, empathy, and change
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact up to and including rape without a person’s consent. The terms “sexual violence” and “sexual assault” are often used interchangeably.

Sexual assault can refer to rape, incest, molestation, unwanted fondling, unwanted sodomy, or any type of unwanted sexual contact.
Rape is penetration of the vagina or anus by a penis, tongue, finger, or object.
Incest is the sexual touching or penetration between two related people
Sexual abuse is sexual violence perpetrated by someone in a position of trust or authority; it often refers to sexual violence against children
Often involves “grooming,” which is the manipulative planning of a victim to gain control and secrecy

Key Terms

Consent is permission to perform sexual acts. Consent must be given freely with no pressure and can be revoked at any point. Consent can be given for some sex acts, but not for others.
Coercion is often used to achieve control during a sexual assault. It can be the use of threats, intimidation, fear, or a position of authority.
Force is constraint exerted upon another person. Force can be restraining a victim or can be used while a victim is incapacitated.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam

The SAFE exam is the collection of evidence from a victim’s body by a trained nurse. SAFE exams are done at an emergency room. These specially trained nurses are trained to collect evidence from the victim’s mouth, fingernails, vagina, anus, or other body parts that may have evidence. Nurses offer victims emergency contraception, and medication to prevent some STDs.

Victims have the right to refuse any part of the exam. It is not required for a victim to file a police report to get an exam. Victims will not be billed for evidence collection but may be billed for other services received.

MOCSA advocates in the metropolitan area often go to hospitals to advocate for sexual assault victims. Hope Haven has partnered with MOCSA and is now a part of the Sexual Assault Response Team.

What can I do?

If you have been sexually assaulted and want to receive an exam, do not eat, drink, smoke, or brush your teeth. Go to an emergency room near you, and ask for a sexual assault forensic exam. You do NOT have to report your sexual assault to the police to get an exam. Wear or take the clothes you were wearing during the assault to the hospital. If you have questions about the exam, please contact Hope Haven at 816.380.4663.

If you have been sexually assaulted and do not want an exam, there are many services you may benefit from. Contact Hope Haven at 816.380.4663 to learn more.

If you would like more information on the SAFE exam, reporting an assault to the police, or sexual violence in general, please contact Hope Haven at 816.380.4663.