​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sexual violence can happen to anyone. If it happens to you, it is never your fault.

Sexual abuse and assault is always the assailant’s fault.

Consent

You have the right to decide to have sex or not. And you can change your mind at any time, even if it’s after you have started to have sex.

Part of being in a healthy relationship means that you and your partner talk about how intimate you want to be. You should never feel pressure to do something you don’t want to do.

Any sexual contact without consent is sexual assault. Consent means both people give and get permission to take part in sexual activity.

Staying safe

There are many myths about sexual violence. Everyone can help create a healthy culture by talking about sex and speaking up against rape jokes or people shown as a sex objects in the media.

If you have been affected by sexual violence, you may worry about your safety. Here’s what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe:​

• When you go out, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
• Be aware of your surroundings and know where exits are or where you can go for help if you need it. When you go out at night, look for a parking spot in an area with lots of light.
• Make a plan for safety–​know where safe places are, let others know where you are going, know your own limits around drugs and alcohol and have a backup plan

Tips to teach children

Here’s what to tell children to help keep them safe:

• Tell your child it’s not okay for anyone to act in a sexual way with them, such as asking to take a photo of their private parts or sexual touching.
• Tell your child it’s okay to say "no" and leave any situation if they are uncomfortable.
• Teach your child that their body is their own and that it’s okay if they don’t want a hug or have other contact that makes them uncomfortable.
• Have your child use proper names for their body parts so they can tell you if someone is acting in a sexual way with them.
• Tell your child talk to you or another trusted adult if they don’t feel safe, and keep on telling an adult until an adult says they can help.​
  

Other resources

Learn about sexual health and your rights at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights or call 1-888-642-2725​.

Visit ​Teaching Sexual Health for information about teaching children about consent.

There are many resources to help you recover from a sexual assault. Find out about getting help where you live.