Sexual violence affects people in every community and can happen to anyone, regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or economic status. Every community has beliefs and conditions that can allow sexual violence to happen, and every community also has the power to prevent it. We all have a role to play in creating a world where people can live, work, and have relationships without fear.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. It can include:
- unwanted sexual touching
- sexual harassment
- pressure or coercion to have sex
- rape or attempted rape
- sharing sexual images without permission
- any sexual activity with someone who cannot consent
Consent means a clear, voluntary, and ongoing agreement to participate in sexual activity. Consent cannot be given if someone is pressured, threatened, afraid, asleep, intoxicated, or unable to make their own decisions.
Sexual violence is often about power and control, not about sex. People who cause harm may use manipulation, pressure, intimidation, or force. Survivors may know the person who hurt them, trust them, or depend on them in some way, which can make it harder to speak up or get help.
The harm of sexual violence can affect every part of someone’s life, including their sense of safety, their relationships, their health, and their ability to trust others.
Why don’t people always report or tell someone about experiencing sexual assault?
There are many reasons someone might not report sexual assault or tell anyone about what happened. Survivors may worry about not being believed, being blamed, or facing consequences that feel out of their control. They may depend on the person who hurt them, feel confused about what happened, or not want to involve the police or other systems.
People who cause harm sometimes rely on these fears. They may minimize what happened, blame the survivor, or use their position, reputation, or authority to avoid accountability.
Because of this, it is common for survivors to take time before telling someone, or to choose not to report at all. Survivors deserve support no matter when or how they choose to speak up.
What can I do to support someone who has experienced sexual violence?
You don’t need to have the perfect words or know exactly what to do. What matters most is how you respond.
These simple actions can make a big difference:
Believe them
Take what they say seriously. Survivors often worry they won’t be believed.
Listen without judgment
Let them share as much or as little as they want. Avoid asking questions that sound like blame.
Respect their choices
Everyone heals differently. Let them decide what they want to do next.
Stay connected
Check in, offer support, and remind them they are not alone.
Advocacy programs across Washington are available to support survivors and the people who care about them. You can reach out even if you are not in crisis.
Contact your local sexual assault or domestic violence program for confidential support and information.