(414) 288-5746
707 Building, Suite 130
haven@marquette.edu
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault includes any sexual activity that is forced on a person and/or any sexual contact that is made without consent. Sexual assault can be committed with or without force, or the threat of force. Sexual assault is often perpetrated through the use of fear, coercion, manipulation and/or drugs or alcohol. Sexual assault affects us all, regardless of gender, age, race or sexual orientation.
How do you know if you’ve been sexually assaulted?
Sexual assault is a forced act, so the main question is: was there consent? There are three main considerations in determining whether or not a sexual act is consensual:
- Are the participants old enough to consent?
Each state sets an “age of consent,” which is the minimum age someone must be to engage in sexual activity. People below this age are considered children and cannot legally consent to sexual activity. In the state of Wisconsin, the age of consent is 18.
- Do both people have the capacity to consent?
A person must have mental and legal capacity to give consent. Those with diminished capacity – for example, people who are drugged, intoxicated, or unconscious – may not have the legal ability to consent.
- Did both participants willingly agree to take part?
If someone used physical force, threats or coercion to make you have sexual contact with him/her, then it was sexual assault.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, please know that it is not your fault. You are not alone. There are many resources available on the Marquette campus, and in the Milwaukee community. If you would like to talk to someone, and don’t know where start, please contact HAVEN at (414) 288-5746 or haven@marquette.edu.
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