Sexual assault includes any sexual contact or behavior that happens without explicit consent from the victim.

Sexual assault can take many different forms, but it is never the victim's fault. Victim advocates offer free support, education, and community referrals. They can also answer questions about protective orders, victim rights, and reporting to law enforcement.

Sexual assault includes:
  • Attempted rape
  • Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
  • Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts
  • Penetration of the victim's body or rape

Who are the perpetrators?
  • Sexual assault is often perpetrated by someone the victim knows (acquaintance, friend, family, etc.)
  • In some cases, sexual assault is perpetrated by a stranger.
    • This form of sexual violence may be referred to as stranger rape.
Child sexual abuse includes:
  • Any sexual act between an adult and a minor, or between two minors, when one exerts power over the other.
  • Forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act.
  • Non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism, and communicating in a sexual manner by phone or Internet.

Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can have devastating emotional and physical effects on a survivor. Victim Advocates offer support and resources so survivors do not have to suffer in silence. If you have experienced sexual assault, you are not alone and help is available. Confidential Crisis Line: (317) 731-6140
  • Short-term physical effects of sexual assault may include: bruising, bleeding, STI’s, fatigue, elevated heart rate, and trouble eating or sleeping, among other effects.
  • Short-term emotional effects of sexual assault may include: shock, anger/blame, shame, fear, disorientation, helplessness, and isolation, among other effects.
  • Short-term cognitive effects of sexual assault may include: flashbacks, amnesia, nightmares, difficulty focusing, and dissociation, among other effects.
  • Long-term physical effects of sexual assault may include: healing from severe injuries, pregnancy, headaches, and sleep disturbances, among other effects.
  • Long-term cognitive effects of sexual assault may include: mood disorders, mood swings, eating disorders, paranoia, panic attacks, phobias, relationship difficulties, unhealthy coping techniques, and disengagement, among other effects.

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

Short-Term Effects
  • Emotional problems / Change in social behaviors
  • Regression in milestones
  • Academic performance declines
  • Trouble forming or maintaining relationships
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Behavioral problems
  • Sexualized behaviors, compulsive compliance, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors
Long-Term Effects
  • Depression and suicidal ideation or behavior appear to be more common among victims of sexual abuse compared to normal and psychiatric non-abused individuals.
  • Frequency and duration of abuse, abuse involving penetration, force, or violence, and a close relationship to the perpetrator appear to be the most harmful in terms of long-lasting effects on the child.
  • Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges:
    • About 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse.
    • About 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults.
    • About 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults.