What is Sexual Assault?
- Sexual violence is not the victim's fault.
- Sexual assault is an act of violence, not sexual passion.
- Assailants are usually acquainted with the victims.
- Victims can be young or old, female or male.
- Sexual assault occurs because someone perpetrates an act of violence against another person.
- Attackers use sex to exert power and control over another person.
- Sexual violence is misunderstood and under-reported.

What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is an act of power and control over another person and can include any or all of the following:
- Slapping, punching, hitting, name-calling.
- Controlling your movements and contact with friends and family.
- Forcing you to have sex with them, through threat, use of violence, or coercion.
- Monitoring your phone calls and access to friends and family.

Safety Planning
This information is from the WomensLaw.org website and is not intended to be legal advice.
A “safety plan” is a term often used to describe a plan of action that can help keep you safe from an abuser. Throughout these pages, you can find tips for keeping yourself and your family members safe in various situations. It’s important to know that not all of these suggestions work for everyone, and some might even put you at greater risk. Because of that, we encourage you to look through these safety tips and take those that make the most sense to you when creating a tailored safety plan for your specific situation. In some circumstances, a Restraining Order may be part of a safety plan.
To learn more select the title for a link to the WomensLaw.org website. The page will open in the same window and in the upper right corner of their website you will see the "EXIT SITE" button.
Tips on how to stay safe if you are being abused by an intimate partner.
Safety Tips for Stalking Victims
Tips for how to stay safe if you are a victim of stalking.
Things to consider when you have children and are planning to leave an abusive relationship.
Safety in a Confidential Address
If you have left an abusive home, or you are trying to keep the abuser away from your new confidential address, this page will provide tips for staying safe.
If you are going to see an abuser or stalker in court, here are some ideas on how to stay safe in the courthouse.
If you live in a rural area or a small town, there are some extra things to keep in mind when you are trying to stay safe.
Safety While Using the Internet
There are ways that an abuser can access your email and also find out where you have been on the Internet. It is impossible to hide all your tracks.
Safety While Using Social Media
How to stay safe on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks.
For more information:
Personalized Safety Plan (NCADSV.org)
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/DV_Safety_Plan.pdf
Safety Tips (womeslaw.org)
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