What is sexual assault?

​Sexual assault is sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:
  • Attempted rape
  • Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
  • Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex
  • Penetrating the victim’s body, also known as rape

Force used during sexual assault doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into  nonconsensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force  a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their  family or other intimidation tactics. 
It’s important to remember that the victim is never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator. The truth is that no one asks to be sexually assaulted. Power, anger, and control are the motives for rape– not sex. These crimes can happen to anyone, no matter your gender, age, race, cultural background, religion, what type of education you have, or how much money you make.

​Consent

​​Consent is an agreement to participate in a sexual activity. Before being sexual with someone, you need to know if they want to be sexual with you, too. It’s also important to be honest with your partner about what you want and don’t want. Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting boundaries and respecting those of your partner, and checking in if things aren’t clear. Both people must agree to sex — every single time — for it to be consensual. Without consent, sexual activity  is sexual assault or rape.

I've been sexually assaulted, what should I do?

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ASSAULT: 
  • Do what you need to do to get to a safe place. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 911
  • Trust your feelings. If you feel you have been violated, trust that your feelings are accurate.
  • Seek medical attention at your local hospital. It is best to do this right away. Do not shower and put any clothing you were wearing in a bag to bring along.  Evidence of the crime can be documented and collected in case you choose to make a report to law enforcement. You do not need to report to law enforcement to have a forensic medical exam. If you choose not to report the hospital will hold onto the collected evidence just in case you change your mind in the future. There is no statute of limitations on reporting sexual assault. Keep in mind that if the victim is under the age of 18, the assault will be reported to law enforcement regardless of whether the victim wants to file a report or not.  For more information on what happens when you go to the hospital scan the QR codes below.
  • Find someone safe to talk to.
  • Contact Pearl Crisis Center for assistance or support. An advocate can help you seek safety through a protection order, seek professional mental health help, and support you through the process.
Mailing: PO Box 42 Milaca, MN 56353 // Physical: 235 2nd St SW Unit #105 Milaca, MN 56353
Office Phone: 320-982-2901 // 24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-933-6914, option 8 // Fax: 320-982-2814 // Email: [email protected]
The Community Closet: 320-983-6440

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