Sexual Assault

Sexual Assualt

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity between people in which one person is forced, threatened, does not agree, or is unable to give consent. Although sexual assault and rape are both used to describe unwanted sexual contact, there are specific differences in the legal definitions. Although this can vary from state to state, rape generally refers only to unwanted sexual contact involving penetration. Sexual assault (also referred to as sex offenses) can include verbal or visual contact as well as physical contact. It can happen anywhere and to anyone. The vast majority of sexual assaults occur between people who know each other. This is one of the reasons why rape and sexual assault are the least likely violent crimes to be reported to the police.

Prevention Pathways: What to Do After a Rape or Sexual Assault
(ENGLISH) & (ESPANOL)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA

Prevention Pathways: Alcohol, Sexual Assault, and Rape
(ENGLISH) & (ESPANOL)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA

And Still I Rise… Black Women Confronting Rape
Women of Color Network, Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Bulletins for Teens: Sexual Assault
The National Center for Victims of Crime

Myths and Facts

The TRUTH About Rape
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prevention Pathways: Myths and Facts of Sexual Assault
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA

Myths and Facts about Sexual Violence
Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice

Sexual Harassment

Your Rights on the Job Fact Sheet... Sexual Harassment
Women Employed Institute
What is SEXUAL HARASSMENT on the job?
State of Maryland Commission on Human Relations

Sex Offenders

Myths and Facts about Sex Offenders
Center for Sex Offender Management

Frequently Asked Questions about Adolescent Sex Offenders
National Center on Sexual Behavior of Youth

Female Sex Offenders
Center for Sex Offender Management

Understanding Treatment for Adults and Juveniles Who Have Committed Sex Offenses
Center for Sex Offender Management

How to Help

Supporting Survivors: When Someone Says, “I Was Raped”…
(ENGLISH) & (ESPANOL)
Men Can Stop Rape

Male Survivors: What You Should Know About Men Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted
(ENGLISH) & (ESPANOL)
Men Can Stop Rape