Assault: What to Know

Assault is behavior related to the harm or injury of another person or unwanted physical contact with another person.

It includes acts, threats, and attempts of assault.

What are the different forms of assault?

• Physical assault. This is when someone hurts another person on purpose.
  • It can include slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, or pushing.
  • It is also called battery.
• Sexual assault- This is when someone does something sexual to another person without their permission.
  • This can happen if the person is forced or if they can't say no because they:
    • Have had too much alcohol.
    • Have taken drugs,
    • Are unconscious.
• Threats. These are words or actions that make someone afraid of getting hurt.
  • These threats can be spoken, written, or sent through any kind of communication, like text messages or social media.
  • The threat can be clear, hinted at, or just understood.
  • Examples include:
    • Language that is abusive, intimidating, hostile, or insulting.
    • Stalking.
    • Making intimidating or threatening gestures, includes actions like:
      • Showing off your greater physical size or strength to scare someone.
      • Displaying an object that looks like a weapon in a way that suggests you might use it on someone.

More than one type of assault can happen at the same time.

What should I do if I experience assault?

• Make sure you are safe. This may include developing a safety plan of places you could go if you left your home and people who might help you when you leave.
• Call 911 if you are in danger or you need medical help.
• Find support. This may include:
  • Reaching out to a someone you trust for support, like a friend or family member,
  • Getting help from a licensed therapist or counselor, and learning about support groups in your community.
• Consider:
  • Making a report to the police.
  • Working with a lawyer or an advocate to get a protective order.

Where to find support

• A professional counselor, family member, clergy, or a trusted friend to talk about what happened.
• The Victim Connect Resource Center: Call or text 855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846). Live chat is also available at VictimConnect Chat.
• RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 (HOPE). Live chat is also available at rainn.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233). Text "START" to 88788. Live chat is also available at thehotline.org