What is Sexual Assault?

**Trigger Warning: the contents of this page address serious topics such as sexual assault and rape**


Sexual Assault is defined by RAINN as, "Sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim."


Some forms of sexual assault include:

> Sexual Harassment or Coercion

> Intimate Partner Sexual Assault

> Attempted Rape

> Fondling or unwanted sexual touching

> Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator's body

> Penetration of the victim's body, also known as rape


Sexual assault victims in Hampton Roads can call 911 and report the crime to the police.  Additional resources can be received through the YWCA  SHR by calling 757-251-0144.  The hotline is available 24/7.  At the victim's request, the YWCA - SHR will assist in making arrangements for emergency medical services (including PERK examinations, Physical Evidence Recover Kits), shelter, group and individual counseling, and other services. 


To learn more, please check out the organizations, stories, and articles regarding sexual assault below.

Key Sexual Assault Resources

Here at the HER Shelter, our work is informed by any number of other professional agencies and data collection centers across the country. We partner with many organizations in Hampton Roads to provide the best quality of care for survivors of sexual assault. We encourage you to peruse the following listed programs and partner organizations to better educate yourself on what sexual assault is, how it affects our region and nation, and for stories of other survivors.


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  • Know your IX

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  • Rape CUlture

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  • survivor Stories

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