Information for Youth
WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
- Any unwanted sexual act done without a person’s consent.
- This can be anything from touching of a sexual nature to rape.
- It may involve physical force, threats, intimidation or other forms of coercion.
- It may involve exposure to sexual activity or material, including via the internet or videos.
- It is an assault when a person uses his/her power over a child or youth to involve him or her in any sexual act.
- An offender is often someone well known to the child or youth.
- Abusive behaviour is NEVER OK.
- Tell an adult you trust if you are uncomfortable about someone’s behaviour.
- Keep telling until you find someone supportive who can help.
What Do I Need to Know?
- Learn about sexual assault. Understand what it is.
- Be aware. Trust your senses – if someone doesn’t seem safe to you, try to get away from that person – no matter what your relationship is to them.
- Stay together with your friends at parties or wherever there are large groups of people. Use a buddy system.
- Never leave a drink unattended.
- Take the most populated, well-lit route at night and and do not walk alone in unsafe places if possible.
Something has happened to me, what do I do?
- Go somewhere safe.
- Tell someone you trust or contact a crisis line.
- If you don’t know a local line to call, contact: KIDS HELP PHONE at 1-888-668-6868
MY FRIEND HAS EXPERIENCED SEXUAL ASSAULT, WHAT CAN I DO?
- Support your friend by listening.
- Encourage your friend to seek professional help.
- Share this website with your friend.
- If appropriate, share the Teen Resource List with them.
- If she/he does not live in Toronto, encourage him/her to call: KIDS HELP PHONE at 1-888-668-6868
- Tell an adult you trust.
WHERE DO I GO FOR HELP?
- If you are in the Toronto area, click here for a list of websites for agencies serving youth. This is a list of agencies with addresses and telephone numbers.
- If you do not live in Toronto, contact Kids Help Phone above, or their website at: www.kidshelpphone.ca
- Look in the front of your phonebook for other numbers like the Children’s Aid Socities or the Police.