Hotline Services
If you, a friend, or a family member has been sexually assaulted, call us for help. Trained SATC crisis workers are on duty 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide confidential support, information, and advocacy.
Types of Sexual Violence
Understanding different forms of sexual harm and consent
Sexual violence can take many forms, and experiences do not always fit neatly into one definition. This page provides clear, respectful information to help you understand different types of sexual violence, whether you are learning for yourself, supporting someone else, or seeking clarity about what happened.
You do not need to label your experience to receive support. Help is available at any point.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault generally refers to sexual contact or penetration that happens without consent. This may involve force, threats, pressure, manipulation, or situations where someone is unable to consent.
Sexual assault can happen between people who know each other or strangers, and it can occur in homes, workplaces, schools, or public spaces.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse often describes ongoing or repeated sexual harm, particularly involving children, teens, elders, or people with disabilities. It may involve exploitation, coercion, or misuse of power or trust.
Abuse frequently occurs within families, caregiving relationships, or other settings where trust is expected.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, gestures, exposure, or behavior that creates discomfort, fear, or a hostile environment. It can occur in workplaces, schools, public spaces, or online.
Physical contact is not required for sexual harassment to be harmful.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse involves any sexual activity with a minor that they cannot legally or developmentally consent to. This includes both contact and non-contact acts and often involves someone the child knows.
Support is available for children, teens, and non-offending caregivers.
Online and Technology-Facilitated Sexual Harm
Sexual harm can also occur through digital spaces. This may include harassment, exploitation, image sharing without consent, or grooming.
Online harm is real harm, and support is available.
If You’re Not Sure What Applies
Many people feel uncertain about how to describe what happened—and that is okay. These terms are meant to support understanding, not to define or limit your experience.
If you would like to talk through questions or explore support options, SATC advocates are available.
Get Help Now
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Medical Care
Medical care following a sexual assault is important even if you have no visible injuries. Medical Care is available to adults and minors, females and males.
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Crisis Counseling
A sexual assault can be a devastating physical and emotional experience. Dealing with the trauma of a sexual assault can be difficult as many emotions arise.
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Clinical Therapy
The SATC provides individual and family therapy, victim support services, and legal systems advocacy for children, adolescents, and adults. We have experienced professional therapists to help with your healing.