Sexual violence is a term that encompasses unwanted sexual activity from another person and can include sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and incest. Anyone can experience sexual violence and it is never the survivor’s fault. Most survivors are assaulted by someone they know such as an acquaintance, friend, relative, or intimate partner. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.

 

Consent is an important concept for everyone to understand and practice to prevent sexual assault. Consent is an agreement to participate in an activity. It should always be freely given, informed, clear, and enthusiastic. Consent cannot be given by someone who is underage, intoxicated, or otherwise incapacitated.

 

To get more information about sexual violence to help yourself or someone else in your life, call or text the regional EmpowerNet Hotline at 804-612-6126. If you would like to request an educational workshop on this topic, please fill out this form.