HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR ASSAULT

In order to talk about your assault, you need the right tools and vocabulary. Find these resources below.

VOCABULARY

CONSENT

Consent is the free and enthusiastic agreement equally given by both partners, to engage in a specific sexual activity.

Consent is not present when:

Either partner is incapacitated by a substance
Consent is given under duress of fear or force
There is threatening or intimidation
One is physically forced to comply
Either partner says no physically or verbally
There is no active participation in the activity
Either lacks full knowledge of what is happening, whether by age, mental incapacitation, or otherwise.

COMMON TRAUMA RESPONSES

There are an array of trauma responses. Some survivors may feel all of these effects, or none. Everyone experiences trauma differently. Know when you are talking about these feelings that these are normal and okay to speak about.

Some common trauma responses include:

Depression
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Guilt
Flashbacks
Eating Disorders
Suicidal Thoughts
Substance Abuse
Dissassociation
Self Harm

COERCION

Sexual coercion is unwanted sexual activity that happens when you are pressured, tricked, threatened, or forced in a nonphysical way. Coercion can make you think you owe sex to someone. It might be from someone who has power over you, like a teacher, landlord, or a boss. No person is ever required to have sex with someone else.

ACQUAINTANCE ASSAULT

Acquaintance assault occurs when there is nonconsensual sexual activity and the victim knows their attacker.The consequences of acquaintance rape can be extremely harmful so psychological consequences are to be expected. This is the most common form of assault, especially among young victims.