Sexual Violence & Exploitation
Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including: inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, sexual intercourse, rape, attempted rape, and child molestation. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.Research & Statistics
- Child Sex Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Health Care Needs of Victims - AAP
- Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment for Victims of Human Trafficking - ASPE
- Rape And Sexual Assault - Bureau of Justice Statistics
- The Connecticut School Health Survey
The Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) is comprised of the Youth Tobacco Component (YTC) (PDF) and the Youth Behavior Component (YBC) (PDF). These two school surveys have been co-administered since 2005. The YTC is a school-based survey of students in grades 6 - 12, with randomly chosen classrooms within selected schools, and is anonymous and confidential. The YBC is also a school-based survey of students, but only of high-school grades 9 - 12 and it, too, is anonymous and confidential.
- The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence SurveyFind data on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Sexual Violence (SV).
Screening Tools
Locate a Treatment Facility
What is sexual violence?
Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including: inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, sexual intercourse, rape, attempted rape, and child molestation.
Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. It can happen in different situations, by a stranger in an isolated place, on a date, or in the home by someone you know.
Examples of this are:
- Voyeurism- when someone watches private sexual acts
- Exhibitionism- when someone exposes him/herself in public
- Incest- sexual contact between family members
- Sexual Harassment
Rape is a common form of sexual assault. It is committed in many situations — on a date, by a friend or an acquaintance, or when you think you are alone. Educate yourself on “date rape” drugs. They can be slipped into a drink when a victim is not looking. Never leave your drink unattended — no matter where you are. Try to always be aware of your surroundings. Date rape drugs make a person unable to resist assault and can cause memory loss so the victim doesn’t know what happened.
If you are sexually assaulted, it is not your fault. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. Help is available. You can call these organizations:
Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS)
1-888-999-5545 1-888-568-8332 (En Espanol)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Source: National Women's Health Information Center