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Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. Sexual assault can take many different forms and be defined in different ways, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.

What does Sexual Violence look like?

Attempted Rape

Fondling or Unwanted Touching

Forcing or Coercing Victims to Perform Sexual Acts

Penetration/Rape

Child Sexual Abuse

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

Incest

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Sexual Exploitation

Sex Trafficking

We Can Help

PREVAIL is dedicated to providing immediate crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services to individuals and families who have experienced sexual violence. All PREVAIL services are free and confidential. You are not alone. We are here to help.

24-hour Helpline

PREVAIL provides 24-hour support to individuals experiencing sexual violence. Our skilled Crisis Specialists can assist with safety planning, shelter resources, and connection to other community resources.

Emergency Shelter

PREVAIL provides emergency shelter to women, men and their children who are homeless as a result of recent sexual violence. Our shelters are in undisclosed locations to maintain safety for all of our shelter clients.

Peer Counseling

Peer counseling provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to process their experiences and receive helpful psychoeducation. PREVAIL Peer Counselors are state-certified Sexual Assault counselors, specializing in helping individuals who have experienced sexual violence.

24-hour Crisis Response

PREVAIL plays an integral role in San Joaquin County’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Our Crisis Specialists provide on-site support, advocacy and accompaniment for victims and their families throughout the SART process.

Legal Support

Our team can provide assistance with completing and filing restraining orders, court accompaniment and preparation for hearings, and coordination of legal services with other agencies in our community.

Support Groups

Support groups are curriculum-based, trauma-informed groups that provide intervention and education to help survivors who have experienced sexual violence. Group members will build connectivity to others while enhancing their coping skills.

Case Management

Case management services include offering individuals access and resources to basic needs, finding shelters or housing, education and career development, establishing life skills and linking individuals to other community-based organizations.

Get Help Now

Our trained advocates are available to talk confidentially with anyone who is experiencing sexual assault or seeking resources or information. We provide free, confidential services to help individuals heal, create healthy relationships and boundaries, and live a life free from sexual violence.
Get Help Now

Frequently Asked Questions about Sexual Assault

What is a rape crisis center?
An individual community-based organization that is staffed by certified sexual assault crisis counselors and volunteers and held to criteria and standards of operation as set forth by the California Office of Emergency Services. RCCs offer direct services such as crisis intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and supportive services to survivors of sexual violence.
How much does it cost for services?
All services are free of charge.
Who can use the services?
Survivors of any type of sexual violence, including sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual harassment, stalking, spousal rape, etc., even if the assault happened years ago. We serve male and female victims of all ages, as well as family, friends, partners, parents. Prevention education is provided to the San Joaquin County community.
Is what I say confidential?
All sexual assault counselors and volunteers adhere to the California State law which ensures confidentiality for any communication between a counselor/volunteer and victim. The Center has a written confidentiality policy and we have line blocking on all phone lines. Our number will not appear on caller ID displays.
Who is a certified sexual assault counselor or volunteer?

All Crisis Specialists, Peer Counselors and volunteers who work for a Rape Crisis Center and who meet the following criteria:

  • Successfully completed a screening interview
  • Successfully completed a 69-hour Victim Assistance Training as mandated by the Office of Emergency Services
  • Receives a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually
  • Supervised by staff of sexual assault department
Does my experience count as abuse? What if I’m overreacting?
Sexual abuse happens in many ways, all of which can be damaging. Try not to question the importance of your experience – listen to your feelings. If it feels like abuse or an assault, it probably is.
What if I don’t remember all the details?
The healing process is not like a law enforcement investigation; evidence is not the focus. It is more important to concentrate on healing.
What’s the point of talking about it now?
The early experience may have left you with feelings and self-talk that are confusing and uncomfortable. The peer counseling process can help you to shift your viewpoint, and to dispel some of the negative messages. Additionally, peer counseling can help survivors of sexual violence to begin the healing process and build a positive, healthy self-image.
What if I can’t handle all the memories and feelings that come up?
A first step in peer counseling is the building of a “safety net” and developing ways to manage feelings in healthy ways. You survived the abuse – you can survive the healing and thrive.

Sexual Assault Classes and Workshops

Sexual Assault Resources