Find Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior done without consent. It can involve:

• Rape or attempted rape
• Groping or unwanted touching
• Forcing someone to perform or receive a sexual act
• Sexual coercion (pressuring or manipulating someone into sexual activity)
• Any sexual activity with someone unable to consent

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. It is an act of power—not desire—and it is never the survivor’s fault.

If you’re unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as assault, a sexual assault psychologist can help you talk through your experience safely and without judgment.

Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a specific activity—freely, clearly, and enthusiastically given. It means both parties understand what’s happening and genuinely want to participate. In the context of sexual activity, consent must be mutual, informed, and ongoing.

It’s not just about saying “yes”—it’s about:

• Freely choosing to participate, without pressure, guilt, or fear
• Being of sound mind and body, meaning sober, alert, and aware
• Giving clear, unambiguous communication through words or actions
• Being able to change your mind at any time, even if things have already started

Consent is not silence, lack of resistance, or the absence of a “no.” It’s not valid if someone is afraid, unsure, or coerced. Everyone deserves the right to say yes, no, or stop at any point—and to have that respected. Therapy for sexual assault survivors often includes conversations around consent, boundaries, and reclaiming your right to say what happens to your body.

No. A person who is drunk, high, passed out, asleep, or otherwise mentally impaired cannot legally or ethically give consent. If someone is unable to clearly and freely say “yes,” any sexual activity with them is considered non-consensual—and may qualify as sexual assault under the law.

Even if the person previously consented or was in a relationship with the other person, being intoxicated or unconscious removes their ability to consent in the moment. Consent must be actively given in real-time.

Many survivors struggle with confusion or self-blame if alcohol or drugs were involved. It’s important to understand: being impaired doesn’t make it your fault. If you didn’t or couldn’t consent, it wasn’t okay. A sexual abuse counselorcan help you untangle those complex emotions and remind you that your experience is valid.

Yes. Fighting back is not required for an experience to be considered sexual assault. Many people freeze, go silent, or comply out of fear—and these are normal, instinctive trauma responses. They do not mean you agreed or consented.

Our nervous systems have built-in reactions to danger: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Freezing is just as natural as fighting. Survivors often stay still or say nothing because:

• They’re afraid of getting hurt
• They’re in shock or disbelief
• They’re trying to survive the moment
• They’ve learned that resisting may escalate the danger

Whether you said no, stayed silent, or didn’t resist at all—your experience is real. A sexual assault therapist can help you understand your body’s reactions and let go of any guilt or shame that doesn’t belong to you.

If you’ve been assaulted, the most important thing is to know it’s not your fault. What you do next is your choice. Some helpful options include:

• Ensure your safety: Get to a safe place if possible.
• Seek medical care: A healthcare provider can check for injuries, offer emergency contraception or STI prevention, and collect forensic evidence if you choose.
• Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend, advocate, or therapist, sharing your experience can reduce isolation.
• Consider your reporting options: You can report now, later, or not at all. The choice is yours.
• Get emotional support: A sexual abuse counselor can help you process trauma, navigate choices, and begin to heal.

There is no “right” way to respond to trauma. Your pace is the right pace.

You can report whenever you are ready. Some survivors report immediately, while others wait days, months, or years. Delayed reporting does not make your experience any less real or valid.

If you want to report:

• You can contact local police or a sexual assault response team (SART)
• Hospitals can preserve evidence with a forensic exam (“rape kit”) even if you’re unsure about pressing charges
• You can also file a report through your school, employer, or a therapist if relevant

A sexual assault therapist can help you explore these options, understand your rights, and support you through whatever decision you make.

Healing after sexual assault can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many places survivors can turn for support, whether you’re ready to speak out now or simply need a safe space to begin processing what happened. The help you need is out there, and you deserve access to it.

Therapists and Counselors

Talking to a licensed sexual assault therapist or sexual abuse counselor can be one of the most effective steps toward healing. These professionals are trained to:

• Help you process trauma without judgment
• Support your emotional recovery
• Teach healthy coping tools
• Address related challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD

You can find support through:

• Private practice therapists
• Community mental health clinics
• Online therapy for sexual assault survivors, which offers privacy and flexibility from home

Crisis Centers and Hotlines

Rape crisis centers and sexual assault response networks often provide:

• Free, confidential counseling
• 24/7 support hotlines
• In-person or virtual support groups
• Legal and medical advocacy

In the U.S., the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7. They can connect you with local resources and help you decide what you need, at your pace.

Hospitals and Medical Clinics

If the assault was recent, hospitals and urgent care centers can:

• Treat injuries
• Provide emergency contraception or STI prevention
• Offer forensic exams (often called “rape kits”), which preserve evidence in case you choose to report

Many hospitals have trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who offer trauma-informed care.

Support Groups

Peer-led or therapist-led support groups allow you to connect with others who understand what you're going through. These groups can be found in-person or online and offer validation, community, and healing in numbers.

Campus and Workplace Resources

If the assault occurred on campus or at work, you may have access to:

• Title IX coordinators (for students)
• HR departments or ombuds services (for employees)
• On-site counseling or referral services

While these systems can be imperfect, they may help you access protection, accommodations, or further referrals.

Survivors benefit most from professionals trained in trauma-informed care. These may include:

• Licensed therapists specializing in trauma or sexual abuse
• Sexual assault psychologists with experience in crisis response or long-term healing
• Social workers and counselors in community organizations
• Psychiatrists or doctors for medical and mental health care

Look for someone who understands complex trauma, uses evidence-based methods (like EMDR or somatic therapy), and listens without judgment. A therapist for sexual assault survivors should create a safe, empowering environment.

Yes. With time, support, and care, recovery is absolutely possible. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live with your experience in a way that no longer controls your life.

Many survivors go on to:

• Rebuild trust and relationships
• Reduce anxiety, depression, or flashbacks
• Set stronger boundaries
• Feel safer in their bodies
• Reconnect with joy and meaning

A sexual assault therapist can walk with you through this process, helping you move from survival to healing at your own pace.

Trauma affects the brain and body. Survivors may experience a range of mental health symptoms, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness
• Depression: Sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily life
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Dissociation: Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
• Substance use: Using alcohol or drugs to numb pain
• Sexual difficulties or relationship issues
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

These responses are not signs of weakness—they’re common reactions to trauma. Support for sexual assault survivorsthrough counseling or therapy can make a significant difference in managing and healing from these symptoms.

No. False reports of sexual assault are rare—studies show they occur at rates similar to false reports of other crimes (about 2–10%).

Unfortunately, survivors are often met with skepticism or blame, which can discourage them from coming forward. It's important to believe survivors and focus on creating a safe space for them to share their truth.

Therapy offers that space. A sexual abuse therapist will support you without questioning or minimizing your experience.

No. While women are more often targeted, anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, including men, nonbinary people, and transgender individuals.

Male survivors may face additional stigma, making it even harder to speak up. But their pain is just as real—and they deserve the same compassion and support.

Therapy for sexual assault survivors is for everyone, regardless of gender identity or background.

No. In fact, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows:

• A date or partner
• A friend or acquaintance
• A family member
• A coworker or supervisor

The myth of the “stranger in the alley” ignores the reality that most assaults happen in familiar places and involve people the survivor once trusted. This can make it especially confusing or painful.

A sexual abuse counselor can help you work through betrayal trauma and rebuild your sense of trust and safety.

You deserve to be heard. You deserve to heal. Whether you're just beginning to explore what happened or ready to take the next step, therapy for sexual assault survivors can be a powerful, life-changing resource. Support is available. You are not alone.