Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or sexual attention committed by force, threats, bribes, manipulation, pressure, tricks or violence. It includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, incest and sexual harassment. The devastating effects are shared by victims and those who love them. A rape occurs every six minutes in the U.S., according to FBI research.
Rape is a crime of violence, anger and power.
It is not motivated by sexual desire. Rapists use sexual violence as a weapon to control, humiliate and hurt their victims. Anyone can become a victim, because victims are selected for their vulnerability and not their attractiveness, appearance or behavior. Sexual assault of any type is never the victim's fault. As a loved one you suffer too.