If you’ve experienced sexual violence, SVC advocates are available to believe and support you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us at 612-871-5111.

 

Youth 12+

Youth 12-17 are at high risk for sexual assault, especially acquaintance rape. According to some statistics, as many as 50% of all rapes happen to youth.

What to do if you've been assaulted:
If you have been sexually assaulted, you've been through a frightening and potentially life-changing experience. You don't have to deal with it alone. First, take the steps listed in the What to Do if you've been assaulted section of this web site.

Next talk to others about it. The feelings you have are real and need to be dealt with. If you're not comfortable talking with a friend or family members, call our counselors at 612-871-5111. They're here to support and validate your feelings. We know healing IS possible.

What is consent?
Sexual activity must be consensual. It must be active, verbal and positive. There should be a question such as "Do you want to have sex?" and a verbal answer such as "Yes, I want to." Don't assume the other person knows what you want or "gets" how far you want to go. And don't be afraid to say no — saying no is always your right.

Is your relationship healthy?
Because pre-teens and teens are so frequently assaulted by someone they know, it's important to think honestly about your relationships. Regardless of how serious your relationship is, your partner MUST have consent for any sexual activity. And it must be verbal — not just an "ummm."

Below are signs of an unhealthy relationship.   If you check TWO or more of the questions below, you are probably in an unhealthy relationship. Unhealthy relationships are hurtful to your emotional well being and often lead to abuse or sexual assault.

  • Do you feel nervous around your partner?
  • Does something just not feel right?
  • Do you censor what you really think?
  • Do you censor how you really feel?
  • Have you forgotten how you really feel?
  • Are you afraid to be honest about what you want?
  • Are you starting to lose your closest friends?
  • Do you feel inadequate, unintelligent, or incompetent around your partner?
  • Do you frequently go against your own judgment to please your partner?
  • Do you feel pressure to change your looks, your interests or your friends, to get your partner's approval?
  • Have you stopped doing your favorite activities?
  • Do you constantly put your relationship first, in spite of your commitments and interests?
  • Does your partner ever threaten you?
  • Does your partner ever make up excuses for hurting you?
  • Does your partner criticize or humiliate you?
  • Do you feel pressured to be sexual in ways you do not want to be?

You deserve to be treated with Respect, Dignity, and Equality. Good relationships make you feel happy, supported, and free to be yourself. You are never to blame for how someone treats you, but you are responsible to take care of yourself and sometimes, this means ending a relationship.

Alcohol and sexual assault
Youth who were using alcohol when they were sexually assaulted are frequently too frightened to tell anyone since they are underage for drinking. In addition, there are magnified feelings of self-blame and guilt. But drinking doesn't give anyone the right to sexually assault you. In Minnesota, rape includes having sex with someone who is unable to give consent because they were intoxicated, drugged or unconscious. And being drunk is not an excuse for criminal behavior such as rape.