Q: What is considered sexual assault?

A: Unwanted sexual contact, rape and attempted rape, or threats. Any type of sexual contact that occurs without your consent (verbal or nonverbal) is sexual assault.

Q: Who is at risk of being sexually assaulted?

A: Anyone can be sexually assaulted, regardless of their age, socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexuality, or religious beliefs. Sexual assault is not sexually motivated, but rather an attempt to gain power and control.

Q: Can men be sexually assaulted?

A: Yes. Approximately 1 in 10 men are survivors of sexual assault.

Q: Since being sexually assaulted, I feel physical pain, nausea, and headaches. Is this normal?

A: Yes. Your body may react in any combination of ways, any and all of which are normal.

Q: I was recently sexually assaulted, but I am not hysterical. Is this normal?

A: Yes. You may experience a wide range of emotions. Some survivors find themselves overtly emotional, while others find themselves to be calm and subdued. These feelings may shift as time goes on.

Q: If I report the assault, what if they do not believe me?

A: Abby’s House is survivor-focused. We are here to listen and get you the resources you need. We will not question the validity of your report.

Q: I thought people are only sexually assaulted in remote locations at night. I was assaulted during the day by someone I know. How can this be?

A: This is a common myth. Equal amounts of assaults occur during the day as do night. 50% of assaults occur at home and 80% of assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.

Q: Did I do something to cause the assault?

A: No one asks to be assaulted, and nothing you said or did justifies the attacker’s actions. Sexual assault is a crime of violence, not passion. Only the attacker is responsible for the assault.