Sexual Assault
1 in 5 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
Sexual Assault happens when any kind of sexual contact or sexual act is committed without consent or the ability to give consent. While we often associate sexual assault with sex, it can occur in a variety of other ways.
Examples of Sexual Assault:
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Rape: forced sex (penetrative and/or oral)
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Attempted Rape
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Flashing
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Unwanted fondling or touching (i.e. molestation)
Myths vs Realities of Sexual Assault:
Hover over the following misconceptions to reveal the true realities of sexual assault.
Want to know what to do in case a sexual assault happens? Or know a friend who may have been in an abusive relationship? Click here to learn about bystander intervention.
Check out our educational video series from Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
What you can do if you think you've experienced a sexual assault:
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Talk to a trusted family member or friend.
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Call an advocate (like the ones at Helping Hands)! We're available 24/7 and are confidential. We can help you create a safety plan, navigate your options, and support you.
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Create a safety plan, especially if you anticipate running into your assaulter at a later date.
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Consider getting a rape kit completed within 72 hours of your assault to preserve evidence.
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If you are on a college campus, contact your Title IX coordinator to hear other options.
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Check out the bottom of this page for additional resources.
Resources:
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RAINN & The National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hotline:1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Helping Hands Against Violence
Hotline: 541-386-6603
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN provides online chat services as well as the national sexual assault hotline (note that the RAINN hotline will direct you to your nearest sexual assault center, such as Helping Hands).
Helping Hands--a non-profit in Hood River, Oregon--supports all survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking through safety, shelter, advocacy, education, and outreach. Call us if you have questions, need guidance for yourself or a friend, or just need someone to listen.
Visit your school's website or office to learn how to contact your Title IX coordinator.