Assault includes any behavior or physical attack that results in injury or threat to another person or damage to their property. This also includes assault that has not yet happened but is planned to happen, as well as threats that cause fear of assault.

Threats of assault may be physical, verbal, or written. They may be spoken or sent by any form of communication or media. The threats may be direct, implied, or understood.

What are the different forms of assault?

• Physically assaulting a person directly by slapping, hitting, kicking, or pushing.
• Threats to inflict physical harm, which may include:
  • Verbal threats with language that is intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
  • Throwing or hitting objects.
  • Making intimidating or threatening gestures.
  • Displaying an object that appears to be a weapon in a threatening manner.
  • Stalking.
• Sexually assaulting a person. Sexual assault is any sexual activity that a person is forced, threatened, or coerced to participate in. It may or may not involve physical contact with the person who is assaulting you. You are sexually assaulted if you are forced to have sexual contact of any kind.
• Damaging or destroying a person's assistive equipment, such as glasses, canes, or walkers.
• Using or displaying a weapon to harm or threaten someone. Examples of weapons may include guns, knives, sticks, or bats.
• Using greater physical size or strength to intimidate someone by restraining them with force or bullying.

What can I do if I experience assault?

• Report assaults, threats, and stalking to the police. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.) if you are in immediate danger or you need medical help.
• Work with a lawyer or an advocate to get legal protection against someone who has assaulted you or threatened you with assault. Protection options may include:
  • Getting a court order that requires the person to stay away from you (restraining order).
  • Moving you to a private address.
  • Prosecuting the person through the courts. Laws vary depending on where you live.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Avoid areas where you feel unsafe.
• Try to stay in areas that are around other people.
• Consider learning methods of protection from assault, such as self-defense.

Where to find support

• A professional counselor, family member, clergy, or a trusted friend to talk about what happened.
• RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 (HOPE). Live chat is also available at rainn.org
• The National Center for Victims of Crime. This is an advocacy center that provides information for people who have been assaulted or subjected to violence. Visit www.victimsofcrime.org

Summary

• Assault includes any behavior or physical attack that results in injury or threat to another person or damage to their property.
• An assault includes threats that cause a person to fear for his or her safety. Threats may be spoken or sent by any form of communication or media.
• There are many forms of assault.
• Report assaults, threats, and stalking to the police. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.) if you are in immediate danger or you need medical help.
• Prevent assault by being aware of your surroundings, avoiding areas where you feel unsafe, and talking to a lawyer about getting legal protection against someone who has assaulted you or threatened you with assault.