Guiding you through questions and concerns

At SASS Sexual Assault Safe Space, we understand that finding information and support can be overwhelming. This page is dedicated to addressing the most common questions from survivors, their loved ones, and community members, providing clear, compassionate, and trauma-informed answers.

Frequently asked questions

Here, we've compiled insights based on years of experience, aiming to validate experiences, dispel myths, and empower individuals with knowledge. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and never alone on your path to understanding and healing.

Was what happened to me really sexual assault?

Many people question their experience if they knew the person, didn’t fight back, or if alcohol, fear, or freezing was involved. This question is about validation and undoing self-blame.

Is this my fault?

Survivors often ask this, sometimes without saying it directly, wondering if they did something wrong or could’ve prevented it. This question comes from shame, not truth—sexual assault is never the survivor's fault.

What should I do right now?

People are often looking for immediate guidance, such as needing medical care, finding someone to talk to, or understanding next steps. We help you navigate these important safe actions.

Do I have to report this to the police?

No, you do not. You can get help and support from SASS without reporting to the police. You have control over your story and your next steps, and we will never pressure you to report.

Who can I talk to without being judged?

Many survivors are afraid of not being believed, blamed, or hurting their family. SASS provides a safe space where you will be heard, believed, and supported empathetically, without judgment.

Is it normal to feel like this?

Reactions such as panic, numbness, dissociation, trouble sleeping or eating, anger, guilt, or confusion are normal responses to trauma. We offer reassurance that your reactions are valid.

Will this affect me long-term?

Survivors worry about their mental health, relationships, intimacy, and whether they’ll ever feel like themselves again. This question is about hope, and we are here to support your journey toward healing.

Where can I get help that feels safe?

People want to know what kind of support exists and where they won’t be retraumatized. SASS creates trauma-informed environments where healing can begin safely and with dignity.

How do I help without making things worse?

It’s natural for loved ones to fear causing harm or saying the wrong thing. We guide supporters on how to offer empathetic, respectful care without pushing the survivor.

What should I say—or not say?

We offer resources and advice on empathetic communication that validates the survivor's experience and supports their autonomy.

How can I help in a way that actually makes a difference?

Supporters want to ensure their contribution is useful. Your support, whether time, resources, or advocacy, directly helps survivors and furthers our mission.

Does my donation really go to survivors?

Yes, we are committed to transparency. Your contributions fund direct programs, care packages, advocacy, and immediate support for survivors.

If it was real assault, wouldn't they have said no or fought back?

Many survivors freeze, dissociate, or comply out of fear. This is a normal trauma response, not consent. Lack of resistance does not equal agreement.

Are most sexual assaults committed by strangers?

Most survivors are assaulted by someone they know—a partner, friend, family member, coworker, or acquaintance. This is why confusion or guilt can arise.

Why didn’t they report it?

Most sexual assaults are never reported, often because survivors fear not being believed, retaliation, stigma, or being retraumatized by the system. Not reporting does not mean it didn’t happen.

Does alcohol or drugs make it a gray area?

No. Someone who is intoxicated, unconscious, coerced, or afraid cannot give consent. Responsibility always lies with the person who chose to harm—not the survivor.

Are false reports common?

False reports are rare, occurring at rates similar to other violent crimes. This myth causes immense harm by making survivors feel they must “prove” their trauma.

Does sexual assault only affect women?

Sexual assault affects people of all genders, including men, boys, and nonbinary and transgender individuals—many of whom face greater barriers to being believed.

If it didn’t leave physical injuries, was it serious?

Sexual assault is defined by lack of consent, not by visible injuries. Emotional and psychological trauma can be just as severe and long-lasting.

What are the most important things to know about SASS?

SASS exists because survivors deserve better. We are here because survival should never be the end goal—healing should be.

How does SASS prioritize survivors?

Everything we do is survivor-centered and trauma-protective. Survivors are believed, and their consent and choices are respected, without pressure to report or heal on a timeline.

What kind of help does SASS provide right now?

SASS focuses on immediate, practical support—the kind that makes the first days after trauma more bearable and safer. This includes resources, care packages, advocacy, and connections to safe support.

How does SASS ensure safety and dignity?

We are intentional about creating spaces and services that do not retraumatize survivors. This means trauma-informed, calm environments, clear boundaries, and respect. Healing should never require enduring more harm.

What are SASS's long-term goals?

SASS is growing toward a full continuum of care, including long-term goals like a survivor-specific inpatient facility. We build step by step, guided by lived experience and survivor safety.

Your questions lead to our shared mission

We hope these answers provide clarity and comfort. Every question asked and every fact understood strengthens our collective commitment to supporting survivors and building a safer community. At SASS, we believe survivors and are building something better—and you can be a part of it.