Any time a person is forced to engage in a sexual act, they have experienced sexual assault. This includes being coerced, threatened or unfairly pressured. Sexual assault is often depicted in the media as a violent attack by a stranger on a random female. More typically, a sexual assault is perpetrated by someone the victim knows, and is not limited to females.
The Blue Bench defines sexual assault as an unwanted sexual action, whether physical or emotional, that is perceived as a violation of one’s own wishes or desires.
If you or someone you know is unsure if they’ve been sexually assaulted, you can find answers to some common questions HERE.
You can also contact our 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at 303-322-7273 (English) or Linea De Crisis at 303-329-0031 (Spanish), or toll-free at 888-394-8044 for free, confidential help, day or night. We use RELAY Colorado for those deaf and hard of hearing.
