SEXUAL ABUSE
If you have experienced sexual abuse or assault, you are not alone. What happened to you is not your fault, and support is available.
You deserve to feel safe, heard, and supported
At your own pace.
Need help right now?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Chat online at https://rainn.org
Text HOPE to 64673
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
When to Use These Resources
You might find these helpful if you:
- Have experienced sexual abuse or assault (recently or in the past)
- Feel unsafe in a relationship or situation
- Are unsure if what happened โcountsโ as abuse
- Want to talk to someone confidentially
Are supporting someone who has experienced abuse
Immediate support & Crisis Help
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S., offering crisis support, information, and connections to local services.
โ https://rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Support for relationship abuse, safety planning, and shelter resources.
โ https://www.thehotline.org
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Support for children and adults concerned about child abuse.
โ https://www.childhelphotline.org
Healing and ongoing support
1in6
Support specifically for male survivors of sexual abuse, including online groups and resources.
โ https://1in6.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Educational resources, prevention tools, and survivor support information.
โ https://www.nsvrc.org
Love is Respect
Resources for understanding consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships.
โ https://www.loveisrespect.org
Arizona Resources
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Statewide advocacy, training, and resources for survivors and service providers.
โ https://www.acesdv.org
Family Advocacy Center โ City of Phoenix
Provides coordinated support for victims of violence, including crisis response and services.
Maricopa County Attorneyโs Office โ Victim Services
Support navigating the legal system, including victim advocacy and assistance.
Northland Family Help Center
Provides shelter, advocacy, and support for individuals experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
โ https://northlandfamily.org
Our Family Services
Offers counseling, shelter, and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
โ https://www.ourfamilyservices.org
๏ปฟSouthern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA)
Crisis support, advocacy, and education for survivors of sexual violence.
โ https://sacasa.org
Additional Resources
Planned Parenthood
Sexual health care, STI testing, and support after assault.
โ https://www.plannedparenthood.org
CDC โ Sexual Violence Resources
Information on prevention, recovery, and support options.
โ https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
CDC Sexual Violence Prevention
Family Advocacy Center โ City of Phoenix
Love Is Respect โ National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
Maricopa County Attorney's Office - Victim Services
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
National Sexual Violence Reseource Center
What you can do right now
There is no โrightโ way to respond to abuse. You are in control of what happens next.
Some options include:
Talking to a trusted person
Reaching out to a hotline or advocate
Seeking medical care
Exploring legal options
Waiting until you feel ready
You do not have to decide everything at once.
Support for Families & Caregivers
If something felt wrong, uncomfortable, or non-consensualโthat matters.
Sexual abuse can include:
- Unwanted touching
- Coercion or pressure
- Sexual activity without consent
- Abuse by someone you know or trust
You do not need to โproveโ anything to deserve support.
Supporting Someone Else
If someone shares their experience with you:
- Listen without judgment
- Believe them
- Avoid pressuring them to take action
- Encourage support, but respect their choices
Quick Facts
- Sexual abuse can take many forms. This includes sexual behavior or acts that are done through force, making threats, or taking advantage of someone's inability to give consent.
- Sexual abuse is a non-legal term, and the legal definition varies from state to state.
- Men, women, non-binary individuals, and children can all experience sexual abuse.
- Reactions to sexual abuse vary greatly, including immediate reactions of shock, fear, or disbelief.
- Long term effects of sexual abuse also take many forms, and may include anxiety, fear, or PTSD.
By and for the community.
