Sexual Violence
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is any sexual activity that occurs without consent. Sexual violence can include a wide variety of acts, including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, unwanted sexual touching, releasing explicit photos of someone without their consent, or sexual harassment.
For more information about the legal definitions of sexual violence, see the Arizona law concerning sexual assault and the Arizona law concerning sexual abuse
What can I do if I am experiencing sexual violence?
If you are experiencing sexual violence, it is not your fault. Everyone deserves to feel safe and to be free from abuse. There are resources available that can help.
If there is immediate danger, call 911.
Call a local helpline, like the Sexual & Domestic Violence Services Helpline at (602) 279-2980. This hotline is open M-F, 8:30 to 5:00, and is staffed by the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Call a local helpline, like the Sexual & Domestic Violence Services Helpline at (602) 279-2980. This hotline is open M-F, 8:30 to 5:00, and is staffed by the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Other Crisis Hotlines include:
Maricopa County (Crisis Response Network): 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444
Northern Arizona (Crisis Response Network), including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties: 1-877-756-4090
Southern Arizona (NAMI Southern Arizona), including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La
Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma: 1 (866) 495-6735 or (520) 622-6000
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
Northern Arizona (Crisis Response Network), including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties: 1-877-756-4090
Southern Arizona (NAMI Southern Arizona), including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La
Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma: 1 (866) 495-6735 or (520) 622-6000
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
Contact a local rape crisis program or domestic violence service provider.
Advocates who are trained to support victims work with these programs. They may be able to help with accessing resources or seeking proper medical attention.
How can a sexual or domestic violence program help me?
When someone experiences a crime like sexual and/or domestic violence, safety, trauma, and healing can be significant concerns for victims and survivors. Sexual and domestic violence programs can offer resources, shelter, advocacy, and healing options for those who have experienced these crimes.
Sexual and domestic violence programs may offer:
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Support groups
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Shelter
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Lay legal advocacy
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Medical advocacy
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Mobile advocacy
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Counseling or trauma-informed therapy
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Safety planning
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Hotline/Helpline
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Healing options
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Information and referrals
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Advocacy for a survivor’s support system
How can I find a sexual and domestic violence program near me?
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) has a helpline available to provide information about local resources and to provide advocacy and support. The hotline is available from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 602-279-2900 or via online chat
Who can seek services at a sexual and domestic violence program?
In Arizona, anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence may get help from a sexual or domestic violence program.
Help is available regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race or ethnicity, religion, immigration status, or other status.
There is no requirement to report to law enforcement to go to a sexual or domestic violence program.
Some domestic violence shelters accept pets, or they can help arrange for pets to stay at a pet shelter. Service or companion animals can stay with victims at most shelters.
What can I expect if I call a sexual and domestic violence program?
A caring, listening ear. All programs have people who can listen and help by explaining options. Programs provide a safe place to find help. Most programs have specially trained advocates who can listen and help with understanding experiences, provide education about sexual and domestic violence, provide accompaniment to medical visits or court visits, assist with welfare, Department of Child Services (DCS), disability services, immigration, housing, employment protections, and more.
Many programs offer shelter or safe homes. Some programs offer transitional housing or have longer term housing for survivors.
Some programs run groups for children, youth, and adults. Some have domestic violence or sexual violence specific groups.
Most programs offer information about protection orders and other civil matters. Most do not provide legal counsel but can refer to free or low-cost attorneys.
Many programs offer 24-hour crisis services.
Sexual Violence Resources and Help
Crisis Hotlines
Maricopa County (Crisis Response Network): 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444
Northern Arizona (Crisis Response Network), including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties: 1-877-756-4090
Southern Arizona (NAMI Southern Arizona), including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La
Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma: 1 (866) 495-6735 or (520) 622-6000
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
Northern Arizona (Crisis Response Network), including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties: 1-877-756-4090
Southern Arizona (NAMI Southern Arizona), including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La
Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma: 1 (866) 495-6735 or (520) 622-6000
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)