Sexual Assault

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Last synced 8/6/2026Status: primary verified

What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is any kind of sexual activity, contact, or experience that happens without your consent. That means the sexual activity happens even though you don't agree to it. Sexual assault may happen with: Physical force or threats of force Sexual coercion (being pressured, tricked, threatened, or forced in a nonphysical way to make you think you owe sex to someone) Alcohol or drugs, including date rape drugs Sexual assault may also be called sexual violence or sexual abuse. It affects millions of people each year. Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. Many victims first experience sexual assault during childhood . Most victims are girls and women. But many boys and men are also victims of sexual assault. If you've been sexually assaulted, it's never your fault. It's something that happens to you. What does sexual assault include? Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity, including: Sexual activity with physical contact , which is everything from sexual touching or kissing to rape or attempted rape Sexual activity without physical contact , which includes things that may happen in person, online, or through texts, such as: "Flashing" or exhibitionism (when someone shows you their genitals without asking you for permission) Being forced to look at sexual images or pose for sexual photos Being sent unwanted texts with sexual photos or messages Voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts without permission) Getting sexual threats or being sexually harassed (unwelcome sexual comments, requests for sexual favors, or other sexual behavior that's ongoing) Any sexual activity that happens without your consent is sexual assault. What does "consent" mean? Giving your consent means that you clearly and freely say "yes" to sexual activity. Your consent means that you: Know and understand what's going on Can say what you want to do and don't want to do Are not underage Are not being pressured or tricked to do things you don't want t

Educational only

This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.