Sexual assault is often thought of as nothing more than “sex that got out of hand”. The truth is that sexual assault and healthy sexual activity are two very different things.

• Healthy Sexual Activity: trust, caring and respect for each other’s feelings are important parts of two consensual partners. A healthy sexual relationship includes sharing the decision to have sex.

• Sexual Assault: Sexual Assault occurs anytime a person is forced to participate in sexual acts without her/his consent.  The abuser is not interested in victim’s feelings, and only wants power and control. A person does not have to be touched in order to be a victim of this type of violence. Sexual violence can also occur when the personal space and safety of a person is violated, such as: obscene emails/calls, flashing, pornography, and sexual jokes.  

Sexual Violence can be seen as a range of never-ending series of beliefs and actions that seeks power and control over victims.  Examples of different beliefs and actions are:

• Rape with murder

• Cutting

• Burning

• Forced anal, oral or vaginal penetration

• Molestation

• Sexual assault

• Grabbing/touching

• Brushing against body

• Jokes/catcalls

• Obscene text messages/emails

• Harassments

• Looks/leers

• Pornography

• Women and children portrayed as sexual objects in media

Sexual Violence is NEVER the survivor’s fault. Sexual violence is a learned behavior, not instinct.

Fast fact: 1 in 2 Deaf women experience this type of violence in her lifetime.  You are not alone.