WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE?
Sexual violence is a term that refers to crimes that are sexual in nature. Sexual violence can occur amongst strangers or people in a relationship, and regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or origin, or ability.
TYPES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE INCLUDE:
Rape or sexual assault
Child sexual assault
Incest
Intimate partner sexual violence
Sexual harassment
Sexual exploitation
Stalking
To learn more about sexual violence, visit RAINN.
WHAT IS CONSENT?
Consent is when two people agree to engage in sexual activity. You always have the option to refuse consent (say no) and withdraw your consent after you’ve initially agreed to it (change your mind).
According to Indiana law, consent must be freely given—meaning a person cannot be forced, threatened, deceived, or intimidated into consenting to sexual activity.
The age of consent in Indiana is 16 years old, which means individuals under 16 cannot consent to sexual activities, even if they verbally say yes.
If you don’t consent, it’s considered sexual violence.
Learn more about consent by visiting the RAINN website.
Unsure if what happened to you is considered sexual violence? Contact the RAINN 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1 800 656-4673.
NO MATTER WHAT
Regardless of what happened, or how it happened, sexual violence is never your fault. Learn about the resources available and decide what next step is right for you.