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Sexual Assault Information

Sexual Assault is a Crime in Pennsylvania
If it's against your Will, it's against the Law

Sexual Assault includes the following:

It is sexual assault any time a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. Motivated by a need to control, humiliate, and harm; sexual assault is NOT motivated by sexual desire. Anyone can be a survivor of sexual assault regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual preference, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

Sexual Assault Risk Reduction

• Trust your gut
• Be in charge of your own life
• Be cautious inviting someone into your home or going to someone else's home
• Do not mix sexual decisions with drugs and alcohol.
• When going out with someone new, don't feel you have to go alone.
• Learn about date rape drugs
• Avoid falling for lines such as "if you loved me"
• Communicate
• Be assertive
• Try to travel in pairs
• Walk near the curb
• Stay in well-lit areas and end entrances

Common Emotional Reactions or Symptoms Experienced by Sexual Assault Survivors:

Benchbook on Crimes of Sexual Violence in Pennsylvania

• Beginning Pages

Section One - Understanding Sexual Violence

• Chapter 1 - The Dynamics of Sexual Violence Crimes
• Chapter 2 - General Provisions of Sexual Violence Crimes
• Chapter 3 - Offenses Against Children
• Chapter 4 - Defenses

Section Two - The Process of a Sex Offense Case

• Chapter 5 - Pretrial
• Chapter 6 - Trial Issues
• Chapter 7 - Scientific Evidence
• Chapter 8 - Post Conviction and Sentencing
• Chapter 9 - Appellate Review

Section Three - Life After Megan's Law

• Chapter 10 - Sex Offender Identification

Section Four - Resources

• Resources

Sexual Assault Response Protocol

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