What is Sexual Assault?

The United States Department of Justice defines sexual assault as follows: "Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape."

Sexual assault advocates are on-call to provide 24-hour availability to victims during any sexual assault crisis and during sexual assault hospital/medical accompaniments, SANE exams, or any other needed service such as support at the police station or courthouse.

The Family Crisis Center of East Texas is dedicated to providing superior services to those who have suffered from sexual violence in order to take a holistic approach and help our client's transition from victim to survivor.

Prevention and Community Education

In order to increase knowledge and end sexual violence, the sexual assault program offers professional trainings, community presentations, prevention and educational programs, workshops and public awareness campaigns on the dynamics of sexual assault and the effects of it on survivors.

Prevention advocates strive to educate the community on the dynamics of healthy relationships and services that are offered by the sexual assault program for survivors and their families.

Statistics:

  • Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted
  • Approximately 4 of every 5 rapes were committed by someone known to the victim
  • Approximately 55% of reported rape/sexual assault incidents occurred at the victim's home or within one mile of their home
  • 1 out of every 6 American women have been the victim of rape or an attempted rape
  • 81% of women and 35% of men who have been the victim of sexual abuse report significant short-term or long-term impacts such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • One in 16 male college students have been sexually assaulted