Sexual Harassment can take many forms, ranging from persistent jokes of a sexual nature to physical assault.  It may involve unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or threats that you may lose your job or not be promoted.  Sexual harassment creates confusion because the boundary between professional roles and personal relationships can be blurred.

Sexual Assault Defined:

Sexual Assault may include attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats.  Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, without that person's consent. Some types of sexual acts which fall into the category of sexual assault include forced sexual intercourse (rape), sodomy, child molestation, incest and attempted rape.  Assailants can be strangers, friends, acquaintances and family members.  Assailants commit sexual assault by using violence, threats, manipulation or coercion.  Sexual assault happens without the person's consent, including if someone is unconscious or drugged.

Resources:

National Sexual Violence Resource Center  

Provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD)

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

The National Women's Health Information Center, US Department of Health and Human Services 1-800-994-9662

Contact information for state and territory crisis centers, organizations and hotlines can be found from the National Women's Health Information Center