YWCA H.O.P.E. Center

It is estimated that 693,000 women and 92,748 men are forcibly raped each year. (National Center for Victims of Crime).

Sexual assault takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's consent. Some types of sexual acts which fall under the category of sexual assault include forced sexual intercourse (rape), sodomy (oral or anal sexual acts), child molestation, incest, fondling and attempted rape. Sexual assault in any form is often a devastating crime. Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family members. Assailants commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure, or tricks. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, a family member or a friend, free, confidential help is available by calling the YWCA H.O.P.E. Center 24 hours, 7 days a week at 419-241-7273 or toll free at 866-557-7273.