Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or attention achieved by force, threats, bribes, manipulation, pressure, tricks or violence. Sexual assault may be physical or non-physical and includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation and incest, and sexual harassment. Sexual assault is committed by strangers and, more often, acquaintances, friends or relatives. Anyone can become a victim of sexual assault, regardless of age, race or income level. Research indicates that 1 out of every 3 women, 1 out of every 9 men and 1 out of every 4 children is sexually assaulted. Sexual assault is a crime of violence, anger and control that hurts both victims and those who love them.

Your Options: What to do if you have been sexually assaulted

• Get to a safe place and call someone you trust. If you don't have anyone to call you can call Tri-County Council on their toll free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-236-1222.
• If you think you may want to report it try to safe as much evidence as possible. Don't shower, wash your clothing or even comb your hair.
• If you've been injured seek medical attention right away so they can access the damages and for possible protection against a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
• Think about reporting the assault to the police. Note: Telling the police does not mean that you have to prosecute (go to trial).
• If you do want to prosecute, it is essential to have a rape exam at a hospital emergency room soon after the assault. To increase your options later, this exam is recommended, even if you are unsure about prosecution.
• Following a sexual assault, you may feel shock, embarrassment, shame, guilt, disbelief, anger, anxiety or nothing at all. These are all normal reactions to a violent crime.
• Remember, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
• Sometimes months or even years after an assault, survivors re-experience feelings they had immediately following the attack. Counseling or support groups may help at these time
• Decisions made after a sexual assault are difficult; there are no right answers, only what is right for you. Get the support you deserve.

Tri-County Council Sexual Assault Services

You can call Tri-County Council 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have been sexually assaulted and would like someone to go to the hospital with you or to the police they will go along with you. If you want someone to talk to day or night to help you through the pain that you are experiencing Tri-County Council is only a call away. If you are being stalked or live with the person who is sexually assaulting with you Tri-County Council has a shelter that you can stay at so you can feel safe. Tri-County Council has legal information regarding what to do if you've been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted.

Reporting: Disadvantages, Advantages, you can still access our services if you haven't reported

Reporting your sexual assault or sexual harassment can be very scary. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to reporting what happened. It can be difficult to prosecute the offender without evidence but not impossible. If you had a rape exam after you were assaulted it increases the possibility of prosecution but even if you didn't have a rape exam and you didn't save the clothing you wore it doesn't mean you cannot still report what happened to you. Remember you do have rights. You also have the right not to report it if you don't want to. Tri-County Council will stand behind your decision to report or not to report your sexual assault or sexual harassment. Remember you are not alone.