Dating Violence - About Sexual Assault

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Teal Ribbon for Sexual Assault Awareness

What is Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is forcing or coercing an individual to engage in any non-consensual sexual contact or sexual penetration. In Michigan, the law regarding sexual assault is called the Criminal Sexual Conduct Act. It is gender neutral and includes marital, stranger, date, acquaintance and child sexual assault.

• Sexual Assault as Part of Dating Violence
Often teen abusers will use some form of sexual abuse as a tactic to get or keep power and control over his dating partner.

• What You May Be Feeling
Survivors of sexual assault experience a wide range of reactions. Some have said that after the assault their emotions go up and down from one extreme to another.

• Recovery
Experiencing so many different emotions is a part of working through what has happened to you.

• Talking with a Significant Other
You may be wondering who you should tell or what you should say to significant people in your life.

• Support From Your Local Rape Crisis Center
Sexual assault programs offering advocacy and counseling are located throughout Michigan. Don't hesitate to seek help from these free programs.