Call CVVC's 24-Hour Helpline if you need help understanding your trauma reactions to an act of violence or crime.

Our trained, caring staff can answer questions, connect you with CVVC services, respond to your emergency needs and provide referrals.



Sexual violence can happen to anyone - regardless of race, gender, age, socio-economic status or religion. Although there is no way to prevent all sexual violence from happening, there are ways to reduce your risks of becoming a victim.

Sexual violence violates a person's trust and feeling of safety. It occurs anytime a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity. Sexual violence is NOT about sex - it's about power, control and harm. It is NOT motivated by sexual desire. Rapists use sex as a weapon to dominate others.


Sexual Harassment is NOT flirting!
There are some very important differences:

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting
Sexual harassment makes the receiver feel:
  • Bad
  • Angry/Sad
  • Demeaned
  • Ugly
  • Powerless
 Flirting makes the receiver feel:
  • Good
  • Happy
  • Flattered
  • Pretty/Attractive
  • In control
Sexual Harassment is perceived as:
  • One-sided
  • Demeaning
  • Invading
  • Degrading
 Flirting is perceived as:
  • Reciprocal
  • Flattering
  • Open
  • A compliment
Sexual Harassment is:
  • Unwanted
  • Power-motivated
  • Illegal
 Flirting is:
  • Wanted
  • Equally Motivated
  • Legal

Tips if you feel you are being sexually harassed

  • Let the harasser know you don't like the behavior or comments.
  • Tell someone and keep telling until you find someone who believes you. Find supporters and talk with them about what's happening.
  • Do not blame yourself for sexual harassment. You certainly did not ask for it!
  • Keep a written record of the incidents; what happened, when, where, who else was present and how you reacted.
Reduce Your Risk for Sexual Violence
  • Trust your gut. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave.
  • Be in charge of your own life. Don't feel that you "owe" anyone anything sexually.
  • When you go out with someone new, don't feel you have to go alone.
  • Avoid individuals who:
    • Don't listen to you
    • Ignore personal space boundaries
    • Make you feel guilty or accuse you of being "uptight" for resisting sexual advances
    • Express sexist attitudes and jokes
    • Act jealous or possessive
  • Communicate. Think about what you really want before you get into a sexual situation, and communicate clearly with your partner
  • Be assertive. Respect yourself enough not to do anything you don't want to do. Your opinions matter!
  • Getting Help… If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, call CVVC's 24-Hour Helpline at 412.392.8582.
  • Immediate concerns:
    • Physical safety - make sure the victim is in a safe place. Encourage him or her to talk to someone he or she trusts for emotional support
    • Evidence - valuable evidence of the assault may remain on the victim's body and clothes. Encourage the victim not to eat, drink, smoke, comb hair, shower, urinate, defecate or douche before going to the emergency room. However, if he or she has already done these things, don't let it stop them from seeking medical care.
    • Medical attention - doctors can check for injuries that might not be visible. Hospital staff may also perform a rape exam to collect evidence in case the victim decides to prosecute
    • Reporting the assault - whether or not the victim decides to prosecute, ask him or her to consider notifying police of the assault. Pressing charges may help a victim feel empowered after the assault.
    • Counseling - the victim has been through a traumatic experience and may need help dealing with his or her feelings.
Call CVVC's 24-Hour Helpline to speak to a professional who can help at 412.392.8582.