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About Sexual Violence
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FAQs About Sexual Violence
Questions about sexual violence can be difficult to ask, whether they relate to your own experience, someone you care about, or a desire to better understand this issue. Explore common questions below or choose a category to quickly find the information and support you need.
Understanding Sexual Violence
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is any sexual activity or behavior that occurs without a person’s freely given consent. It includes sexual assault, rape, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and other unwanted sexual contact or behaviors.
What is consent?
Consent is a clear, voluntary, and ongoing agreement to participate in a specific sexual activity. Consent cannot be given if someone is asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, coerced, threatened, or otherwise unable to make informed decisions. Consent can also be withdrawn at any time.
Who can experience sexual violence?
Anyone can experience sexual violence regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, or socioeconomic status. Sexual violence affects people from every community and background.
Who commits sexual violence?
Most survivors know the person who harmed them. Perpetrators may be intimate partners, family members, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, or someone in a position of trust or authority. Sexual violence can also be committed by strangers.
What are some common reactions after a sexual assault?
Every survivor responds differently. Common reactions may include fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, guilt, shame, numbness, trouble concentrating, or changes in relationships. There is no “right” way to respond to trauma.
Can men experience sexual violence?
Yes. Men and boys can also experience sexual violence. CARE Healing Center provides confidential services to survivors of all genders.
What To Do After An Assault
Need immediate support? Call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-410-857-7322.
What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?
Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are safe, consider reaching out to CARE Healing Center for confidential support. You may also choose to seek medical care, preserve evidence, report to law enforcement, or speak with a counselor. Whatever you decide, know that the assault was not your fault and support is available.
Do I have to report the assault to the police?
No. Reporting to law enforcement is your choice in most situations. CARE Healing Center can explain your options, help you understand the reporting process, and support you regardless of whether you choose to report.
Can I receive medical care without reporting?
Yes. Survivors can seek medical care to address injuries, receive medications to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and discuss evidence collection. An advocate can help explain your options and provide support during the process. You can also learn more about this process at the Forensic Care Center at Carroll Hospital.
What is a forensic medical exam?
A forensic medical exam is performed by specially trained healthcare professionals after a sexual assault. The exam focuses on your health and well-being while also offering the option to collect evidence that may be used if you decide to report to law enforcement. You have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions throughout the process. You can have a SAFE exam up to 5 days (120 hours) after the assault. You can learn more about this process at the Forensic Care Center at Carroll Hospital.
Is it ever too late to get help?
No. Healing has no timeline. Whether the assault occurred hours, months, or decades ago, CARE Healing Center is here to provide counseling, advocacy, legal services, and support.
How can counseling help?
Counseling provides a safe, supportive space to process trauma, develop coping strategies, reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, and work toward healing at your own pace.
How can I get help or learn more?
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, CARE Healing Center is here to help. For immediate support, contact our confidential 24/7 helpline at 1-410-857-7322.
If you would like to speak with someone in person, walk-in crisis services are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can also reach out by submitting the contact form on our website, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Helping A Loved One
What if my child has experienced sexual abuse?
If you believe a child has experienced sexual abuse, ensure their immediate safety and contact the appropriate authorities if necessary. CARE Healing Center provides counseling and advocacy for children ages five and older, as well as support for parents and caregivers.
How can I support someone who has experienced sexual violence?
Listen without judgment, believe them, remind them that the assault was not their fault, respect their choices, and encourage them to seek support if they are ready. Avoid pressuring them to report or share details they are not comfortable discussing.
CARE Services
What services does CARE Healing Center provide?
CARE Healing Center offers a 24-hour helpline, crisis intervention, individual counseling for children (ages 5+) and adults, advocacy, hospital and court accompaniment, legal services, case management, prevention education, and resources for victim-survivors and their loved ones.
How much do services cost?
All CARE Healing Center services are provided free of charge to victim-survivors and their loved ones.
Do I need insurance to receive services?
No. Insurance is not required to receive services at CARE Healing Center.
Is everything I share confidential?
CARE Healing Center is committed to protecting your privacy. While there are some legal limits to confidentiality, our staff will explain those limits and answer any questions you may have before services begin.
Prevention
How can I help prevent sexual violence?
Prevention begins with all of us. Learn about consent, model healthy relationships, challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors, intervene safely when you witness concerning situations, support survivors, and promote respect and accountability within your family, workplace, school, and community.
Still Have Questions?
Additional Resources
Access to licensed, trauma-trained therapists
Support tailored to your age, needs, and goals
Evidence-based approaches proven to help survivors
No cost for therapy—services are always free