What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual Violence is any unwanted sexual contact. The contact can occur directly, through clothing, or with clothing removed, whether or not penetration occurs.
What is Sexual Assault?
In Vermont the words rape and sexual assault mean the same
thing.
It is a crime in Vermont to have sex with someone without
their consent. In Vermont, the crime of sexual assault occurs
there is penetration of any kind (vaginal, oral, or anal)
by a body part or object:
- Without a person’s consent
- When force or threat of force is present
- When a person coerces (pressures or intimidates) you
- When a person is under the age of 16
- When drugs or alcohol are given to you without your knowledge or permission
It’s sexual assault even if the other person is your partner. It’s sexual assault even if you were drinking or using drugs. It is sexual assault no matter what you were wearing or where you were. Sexual violence is not about sexual attraction. Sexual violence is about power and control.
What is consent?
Consent means giving your permission. If you give consent it means that you are doing something voluntarily, without any doubt or uncertainty. Cooperation does not mean consent. Just because you cooperate with someone, it does not mean you consent unless you freely and completely choose to do it.
What are some examples of non-consensual sex?
- Someone has sex with you because you were afraid to say no
- Someone has sex with you after threatening you
- Someone has sex with you while you are sleeping or unconscious
Remember that you have the right to set your own sexual limits. It is a crime in Vermont to have sex with someone without their consent—even if they are your husband, wife, or partner in a civil union
What can I do if I am experiencing sexual violence?
Sexual violence is a crime—no one is at fault except the person who chose to do this to you.
Note - You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
to open any document identified with the 
icon. Visit
the free Adobe Reader download page.
Sexual
Assault Can Happen to Anyone
Rights
for Survivors of Sexual Violence
Umbrella supports and advocates for anyone who has survived sexual violence. It does not matter if the violence occurred recently or if it was many years ago. Some options you have include:
Medical Care
There are specially trained nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who can help assess any injuries and give you medication to prevent pregnancy and STDs, if you want (medications need to be taken within 72 hours of the assault, if possible).
SANEs can also collect forensic evidence if you decide that you would like to report to police. All of these exams are FREE. You do not have to report to the police to receive these services—it is your decision. If you are undecided about reporting to the police, you can have the exam done anonymously, so the evidence is preserved and you have some time to decide what you want to do. An advocate can go to the hospital with you.
Reporting to the Police
You have the option of reporting your assault to the police, who will begin an investigation. An advocate can go to the police station with you.
Seek Emotional Support
Call the hotline for referrals to therapists with appropriate
experience
Support group
Some
questions you can ask a potential therapist.
I know someone
that has been raped. How can I help her/him?
Why should men care about
sexual violence?
Stopping rape
- what men can do
Can men be survivors?
