Sexual assault is a crime. It is any unwanted verbal, nonverbal or physical sexual contact, and is characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes inappropriate touching, rape, non-consensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts.

Other examples of sexual assault are voyeurism (watching private sexual acts), exhibitionism (exposing oneself in public), incest (sexual contact between family members), and sexual harassment. These violation can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, or age of victim.

Your partner must say "Yes," before you can legally engage in sexual activity. If someone is passed out, unconscious, or asleep from alcohol, drug, of fatigue, they are legally unable to give their consent. No means NO, even if the person says "yes" at first, has been "making out" with you, has had sex with you before, has had been drinking alcohol, or is wearing provocative clothing.

Communicate your expectations to a potential partner. Misunderstandings can lead to dangerous situations and damage your reputation. Confirm your partner is of legal age; ignorance will not hold up in the court of law. The "age of consent" or the age in which someone can legally give consent for sexual activity, varies by state and is as high as 18 years of age in some states.

Studies show that half of all US sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol by the offender, the victim, or both. Remember, alcohol can also be used by offenders to incapacitate a potential victim. Avoid using drugs or excessive alcohol. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have different memories of how an event occurred.

• Travel with a buddy or stay in groups
• Always tell someone where you are at all times
• Be aware of your surroundings - who's out there and what's going on
• Lock your car and home at all times and don't prop open self-locking doors
• Watch out for unexpected or uninvited visitors. Know who's on the other side of the door before you open it.
• Don't dress in view of a window

Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route and stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas. Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear. Carry a whistle with you in case you need to call for help. Be wary of isolated spots like underground garages, stairwells, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.