Information for Families and Friends (Return to)

Sexual Assault: What It Is and Is Not

Let's begin by knowing a little about sexual assault. Sexual assault is a crime of violence - involving power, control and/or humiliation of another person. It is not a crime of lust, passion or desire. Victims can be either female or male and offenders can be either male or female. However, statistics show that most victims are female and most offenders are male. Another unpleasant reality is that most offenders are someone the victim knew before the attack and that most attacks are planned in advance. Under no circumstances is the victim ever to be faulted for the attack; nothing they have done, said or worn justifies a sexual assault. The offender is always responsible for their actions.

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