SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, appearance, clothing, or social choices. It is never the survivor’s fault. Understanding what sexual assault is, how it impacts people, and where to find support can be a powerful step toward healing—for yourself or someone you care about.
The term sexual violence refers to any type of unwanted sexual behavior that results in emotional or physical harm.
What You Can Do:
Prevention, Response, and Healing
Assault Prevention
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In situations with acquaintances or strangers:
• Be mindful of your drug and alcohol use and stay sober if possible.
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• Arrange for your own transportation. Do NOT accept a ride from someone you recently met.
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• Do NOT open your door to strangers or unanticipated visitors.
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• Keep doors and windows locked. If possible, install security systems and/or deadbolts.
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• Trust your intuition. If someone gives you an uncomfortable feeling, there’s a reason for it!
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• Adopt a “buddy system” with a trusted individual and regularly check-in with each other. Do NOT leave a location without your buddy!
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• Avoid separating from the group.
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• Prepare your own drinks and do NOT leave your drink unattended.
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• Be ready to say “No” to unwelcome requests. Women are especially socialized to be cooperative and polite, but this makes them more vulnerable!
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“No, I have to wait for my friend before I leave.”
“No, I can’t go with you to another room. I want to stay here.”
“No, I want to make my own drink.”
In situations with a new sex partner:
• Acknowledge that even though clear communication can feel awkward, it is necessary step in preventing sexual violence.
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• Determine your desires and limits and share them in advance.
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• Discuss what it looks and sounds like when you signal a need to stop or slow down.
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• Regularly check-in with your partner during sexual activity. Here are some suggestions of things you might say:
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“I like when you touch me like that.”
“Do you like when I touch you like this?”
“Do you want me to touch you here?”
“Does this feel good?”
“Should we keep going or should we try something else?”
“What would make you feel good?”
If you do become separated from a group:
• Call or text a trusted individual and let them know that you’re leaving your location. Tell them how long it should take you to get home and contact them when you do.
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• Stay on well-lit, populated streets.
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• Walk with confidence and do NOT appear distracted (i.e. Don’t focus on your cell phone.)
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• Be very aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages.
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• Once you enter your vehicle, immediately lock the doors.
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• If your car stalls, lift the hood and turn on your flashers. Call the police or trusted roadside assistance provider and stay in the car with the doors locked. Do NOT accept assistance from a stranger.
Response and Safety Strategies​
Everyone responds to trauma differently—there is no right or wrong way to react during an assault. If you ever find yourself in immediate danger, your safety is the priority. The steps below offer guidance that may help reduce harm, but remember: doing whatever you need to survive is valid.
Some attackers:
Appear insecure and awkward…
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Reassure you of your safety…
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Compliment you…
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Attempt foreplay…
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Seek positive feedback from you…
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Use a weapon to force your participation…
In some cases, resisting—by yelling, speaking firmly, or trying to escape—may deter the attacker. But if it escalates the danger, it’s okay to stop. Trust your instincts, and remember: how you respond to survive is never your fault.
Other attackers:
Appear entitled, enraged, or rehearsed…
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Avoid victim engagement and foreplay…
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Use explicit or obscene language…
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Focus on humiliation, degradation, and pain…
In a moment of assault, your response may vary—whether it’s freezing, complying, resisting, or finding a way to escape. Every reaction is valid. Sometimes, submitting may be the safest choice in that moment. Please know: whatever you did to survive, the assault is never your fault.
Steps Toward Healing ​
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. Healing looks different for everyone, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. This section offers information to support your safety, health, and emotional well-being. If you need someone to talk to or help navigating next steps, our 24/7 Crisis Hotline is here for you—anytime.
Gentle Reminders for Your Healing
• Never ever blame yourself. You are the victim of a crime, and what happened is not your fault. No one—not even a spouse or partner—has the right to pressure, coerce, or force you into any sexual act. You deserve to be safe, respected, and believed.​
• Don't wash or shower. If you’re considering a forensic exam, try not to bathe, shower, or use the restroom beforehand, if possible. Preserving evidence can be helpful if you choose to report—but your comfort and well-being come first.​
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• Consider reporting the assault. If and when you feel ready, you have the option to report the assault to law enforcement. It’s your choice, and support is available to help you through the process if you decide to take that step.
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• Seek support. Sexual assault is incredibly difficult to talk about—but you don’t have to carry the aftermath alone. If turning to family or friends doesn’t feel right, consider speaking with a therapist, spiritual leader, or a hotline counselor. Our Center for Abused Persons' hotline is available 24/7.
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• Take care of yourself. There’s no “right” way to feel after a sexual assault—every response is valid. Be patient with yourself and honor what your body and mind need.
Getting Medical Attention
After an assault, seeking immediate medical attention is important, even if you’re not ready to pursue legal action. Getting treated for injuries and tested for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy can help protect your health. Additionally, if you decide not to report to the police right away, you can still have a rape kit collected and stored—this valuable evidence can be used later if you choose to take legal action. Maryland offers Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs at several hospitals to assist you.
During the exam, a nurse or forensic examiner will look for evidence that could help identify the attacker, such as hairs, fibers, and body fluids. The exam may include oral swabbing and photographs of any visible injuries. For adolescent and adult women, an internal exam may also be performed. You may be asked to provide blood and hair samples, and you could be offered preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
You may also be offered emergency contraception (EC) if there is a risk of pregnancy from the assault. EC contains hormones similar to those found in birth control pills and can prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of the assault. It is safe, effective, and can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy.