April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that affects millions of women, children, and men. In the United States, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives. Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell the police, family, or friends about the violence they have experienced.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given. This includes completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is unable to consent through use of force or alcohol/drug facilitation.  Sexual violence can be perpetrated by anyone. But can include: A current or former intimate partner, A family member, A person in position of power or trust, A friend or acquaintance, or a stranger.

We are here to help you

The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to stopping and ending sexual violence in all its forms. To accomplish this, the Santa Rosa Police Department works as part of a Multiple Disciplinary Team (MDT), which is comprised of multiple community partners who collaborate together with a common goal in mind, to help victims of sexual violence obtain the justice and services they deserve.

Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate and can happen to anyone, regardless of race, culture, religion, income level, and immigration status. If someone is abusing you or someone you know, help is available. Please call the Santa Rosa Police Department for assistance. We are here to help you.

Additional help and resources are available:

• Family Justice Center of Sonoma County
  • The Family Justice Center Sonoma County empowers family violence victims to live free from violence and abuse by providing comprehensive services, centered on and around the victim, at one location.
  • Learn more about the services provided, where they are located, and how to get there.
• Verity
  • Verity supports social justice and equality for all adults and children who have been sexually assaulted. They are committed to ending sexual violence by working to eliminate the conditions that cause or tolerate it.
  • Learn more about the services provided
• Redwood Children's Center
  • In a child-friendly environment at the Family Justice Center, young victims of sexual abuse or trafficking are interviewed by a trained forensic professional. To reduce the number of times a child must be interviewed regarding their experience, sessions are monitored and recorded for law enforcement, legal and social services professionals review.
• Sonoma County Legal Aid
  • Sonoma County Legal Aid helps survivors by providing access to shelter, money for food and basic necessities, health and mental health care, and transportation.
  • Learn more about Sonoma County Legal Aid services or call the Legal Aid Hotline 707-592-1290.
• Additional Information
  • Resources for Parents (PDF)
  • Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet (PDF)