SEXUAL ASSAULT SAFETY PLAN
While sexual assault can be a traumatic experience, it is important that you have a plan in place to be the safest
after sexual assault has occurred and be able to identify signs of potential sexual violent situations BEFORE they
happen. It is also important to think about sexual health risks you may have been exposed to if you have not given
someone consent and sexual assault has occurred.
What is consent? Consent is a clear "yes" to sexual activity. Not saying "no" does not mean you have given
consent. Your consent means:



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You know and understand what is going on (you are not unconscious or blacked out or intellectually
disabled).
You know what you want to do.
You are able to say what you want to do.
You are sober (not under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time question. If you consent to sexual activity, you can change
your mind and choose to stop, even after sexual activity has started. Past consent does not mean future
consent. Giving consent in the past to sexual activity does not mean you have to give consent now or in
the future.1
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent2. This includes rape,
unwanted touching, and forced performing or receiving of oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Types of sexual assault:
RAPE
ATTEMPTED RAPE
SEXUAL COERCION (wearing someone down by repeated
SEXUAL CONTACT WITH A CHILD (molestation, incest,
asks or manipulation until you feel obligated to have sex
with them)
INCEST (sexual contact between family members)
FONDLING OR UNWANTED TOUCHING ABOVE OR UNDER
CLOTHES
VOYEURISM/PEEPING (someone watching private sexual
EXHIBITIONISM (someone exposing themselves in public)
acts of others without consent)
SEXUAL HARRASMENT OR THREATS
FORCING SOMEONE TO POSE FOR PICTURES
In a crisis situation, trust your instincts and do whatever you need to do to keep yourself and, if any, your children
safe. Below are immediate and long term actions that you can take to feel safer. These are suggestions so, allow
your instincts to guide you towards the best option for your situation.
1
2
ePublications. Sexual Assault. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/sexual-assault.html#d
Sexual Violence Definitions. http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/definitions.html
Take this risk assessment to determine your risks:
Sexual Assault Risk Assessment

Does sex happen before, during or, after an argument or violent episode?
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Do you and your partner have violent sex to which you do not consent?
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Are you ever forced to perform or receive oral/anal sex (with or without a condom)?
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Has your partner ever filmed or recorded you during sex without your knowledge or consent?
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Does your partner bite you or tear your clothes while you during sex?
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Does your partner choke you during sex?
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Does your partner refuse or become violent if asked to use contraception or barriers (condoms, dental
dams, female condoms)?
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Does your partner not allow you to use birth control, barrier methods or hides them?

Does your partner keep you pregnant by impregnating you shortly after you have given birth (without your
consent)?

Does your partner force, manipulate, or coerce you to have sex when you do not want to?

Does your partner have other sexual partners?
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If yes, have you mutually agreed to an open relationship?

If yes, are you concerned that your partner is not using barriers to prevent sexually transmitted
infections (STIs)?

Do you ever try to “fix” problems in your relationship by having sex with your partner?

Does your partner prevent you from receiving sexual and reproductive health care (Pap smear, STI/HIV
test)?
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Does your partner force you to use drugs or alcohol before or during sex?
*If you checked 3 or more boxes, you are at risk for sexual assault or may have already been sexually assaulted.
Below are some immediate and long term actions you can take to stay safe or become safe after sexual assault.
Immediate actions:
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Report it to the police. Call 911.
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Contact the Rape Crisis Center 901.222.4350 or the Family Safety Center 901.222.4400
●
Get checked for sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs). *SisterReach offers FREE HIV tests and birth
control counseling at the Family Safety Center. Walk-in Mon – Fri from 10a – 1:30p OR make an
appointment at 901.222.4425 with a SisterReach HIV Tester/Counselor.
●
File an Order of Protection at the Family Safety Center
Long-term actions:
●
Take time before entering a sexual relationship with someone to get to know them. One-night stands are
your right, but without knowing your sexual partner and building trust with that person, does not allow
you to know their daily behavior or how they react in tense situations
●
Be clear about your boundaries and values regarding sex. Know what is and is not okay for you when
considering a sexual relationship with someone and express that to your partner.
●
Build a support network: Identify trusted family and friends who love and care for you, especially if you
need to seek safety.
Suggested Birth Control for Women Fearing Sexual Assault
If it is hard for you to avoid an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy because of a partner refusing to wear condoms
or sabotaging your birth control, there are some more discreet forms of birth control that can prevent pregnancy.
o
Depo-Provera (“The shot”) is an injected hormonal birth control that lasts for 3 months and they cannot be
tampered with or removed by a partner.
o
Norplant or Implanon is a hormonal birth control implanted just under the skin and lasts for up to 3 years.
It can leave a bruise for the first couple of weeks but, otherwise, it is not noticeable.
o
The IUD/IUC (Intrauterine Device/Contraception) comes in both hormonal (Mirena) and non-hormonal
(ParaGard) forms and is placed in the uterus by a doctor. There is even a smaller sized IUD (Skyla) available
for women who have not had any children. Protection from ranges from 3-12 years depending on the
brand of IUD inserted.
Resources
National
Tennessee
Memphis/Shelby County
RAINN:
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Assault:
CAAP Domestic Violence Programs: 901-272-
www.rainn.org
www.tncoalition.org
2221
TN Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-356-
YWCA of Greater Memphis: 901-725-4277
1-800-656-HOPE
6767 (Counselors are available 24/7 to offer referrals
and supportive listening, and help with safety planning.)
Shelby County Rape Crisis Center (legal/court
advocacy): (901) 222-4350
Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-356-6767
A Step Ahead: Free Long acting reversible
Task Force against Domestic Violence: 1-800-289-9018
contraception and transportation assistance
Domestic Violence Coordinating Council 615-386-9406
CHOICES – well woman care. Birth control and
abortion procedures 901.274.3550
Planned Parenthood – well woman care, birth
control and abortion procedures 901.725.1717