Date: April 07, 2025
Sexual assault is a serious crime affecting millions of people each year in the United States. This violence has a profound impact on individuals, families and communities, but the more we learn about the signs of abuse and prevention strategies, the better we can look after loved ones and ourselves.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence during their lifetimes.
However, sexual violence is not only physical – it is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given.
If you feel threatened, intimidated or pressured into saying “yes” there is no consent. Agreeing to one activity does not mean you agree to another. Consent is not assumed because you are married or in a relationship and can be taken back at any time.
Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional, and can include:
- Unwanted kissing or touching
- Lying about the use of condoms or other contraception
- Giving you drugs or alcohol to loosen your inhibitions
- Threatening to end the relationship if you say no
- Unwanted exposure to explicit photos or videos
- Photographing or filming sexual acts without permission
- Reacting with anger or resentment when you say no
If you know someone who has been assaulted, it is important to believe what they say and support them mentally and emotionally. Listen to their needs and decide how to move forward together.
There are steps we can take to prevent sexual assault in our communities. Talk to your children about healthy, safe relationships and how violence of any kind is never acceptable. Establish an effective workplace sexual harassment policy and enforce it consistently.
Speak up and contact police if you notice someone being harassed or harmed in public if you can do so safely. Additional information about the signs of sexual violence and tips for prevention are available at StrongHeartsHelpline.org.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. Chickasaw Nation Sexual Assault and Rape Services provides First Americans ages 15 and older access to a designated advocate who assists with examinations, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter and more. These advocates are on-call 24 hours a day. For assistance or additional information, call violence prevention services at (580) 272-5580, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or toll-free at (855) 405-7645 after hours, or visit Chickasaw.net/SexualAssault.