Resources
Sexual Assault
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual act, often involving force, coercion, or manipulation. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or relationship to the perpetrator. If this has happened to you or someone you love, you are not to blame.
Sexual Assault in Colorado
Every survivor’s experience is valid. If you feel something was wrong, it was. Here are some facts and statistics that might surprise you.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault.
- Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the person knows.
- On college campuses, sexual assault involves the use of alcohol or drugs 90% of the time.
- Only 16% of rapes are reported to the police.
- Nearly 1/3rd of rape survivors will develop stress disorders as a direct result of the assault (at some time in their lifetime) increasing risk for serious alcohol and drug abuse problems and possible suicide attempts.
- 61% of all rapes occurred before survivors reached the age of eighteen years old.
- Sexual assault can happen to anyone, at any time, in any place.
Understanding Consent
Consent is a clear, mutual, and enthusiastic agreement between participants. It must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time. Consent cannot be assumed from silence, a past relationship, or previous activity.
Myths & Facts
Myths about sexual assault prevent many victims from reporting and seeking assistance in working through the trauma of the assault. We must work to discard and dispel these myths.
Reporting Options
In Colorado, survivors have three reporting options:
Law Enforcement Report
A survivor chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam and chooses to participate in the criminal justice system.
Medical Report
A survivor chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam but not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and survivor-identifying information is released to law enforcement. The survivor can choose to have evidence tested.
Anonymous Report
A survivor chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam but not participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence is released to law enforcement without survivor-identifying information. An anonymous reporting survivor is consenting to evidence storage only.
Our advocates can help explain your rights, connect you to resources, and accompany you through any next steps, all while honoring your privacy and choices.
We’re Here for the Journey
We’re here to help you access the resources, counseling, and ongoing care you need to regain stability and begin to rebuild. Call 303-679-2426 to connect to an Advocate now.