1. What is consent?
Consent is a clear, voluntary, and informed agreement to an activity.
Related resources:
2. How does being sexually assaulted affect my relationships and my body?
Being sexually assaulted affects everyone in different ways. If you’re concerned about how it’s affecting you, you can reach out to KCSARC for support.
Related resources:
3. What is the best way to prevent sexual assault?
- Promote consent
- Educate yourself & others about sexual assault
- Be an active bystander
- Believe & support survivors
- Challenge harmful attitudes about sexual assault
Related resources:
4. What does age of consent even mean?
Age of consent is the minimum legal age at which a person can agree to sexual activity. In WA, it is age 16 in most cases.
Age of consent laws in WA State are about the age differences between the individuals involved. If someone is under the age of 16, they legally cannot consent to sex with someone 2-5 years older than them depending on their age, even if they feel that they did consent. It does not mean that if they are under 16 all sex is illegal or that all sex over the age of 16 is inherently legal. People can still give consent to sex before 16 (with individual of appropriate age) and people can still be sexually assaulted over the age of 16.
Related resources:
5. Does it matter how long ago it happened if you want to report it?
You can report a crime whenever you feel ready to. You will not get in trouble if you report something after the statute of limitations has expired.
Related resources:
6. Can you get raped online?
By legal definition, rape requires some form of nonconsensual penetration. Because you cannot experience physical assaults online, you cannot be raped online.
Related resources:
7. Why don't people report their sexual assault?
There are many barriers that keep people from reporting. People can still get support without having to report what happened.
Related resources:
8. How do you get over the fear of someone recording you non-consensually after it happened once?
What happened to you is likely illegal. You can report it. If you continue to feel afraid, you can reach out for support from your friends and family, or from professionals at KCSARC.
Related resources:
9. How can I support my friend who experienced sexual assault?
Believe them.
Affirm what happened was not their fault.
Support them how they want to be supported.
Empower them to make decisions for themself.
Refer them to support like KCSARC.
Related resources:
10. Is there anywhere to learn how to have sex, other than pornography?
Use trusted resources – e.g. your school’s sex education program, Scarleteen, PlannedParenthood, etc.
Related resources:
11. What advice could I give to a friend whose ex-partner has explicit pictures of them, and is using that as blackmail?
Let them know it is illegal for someone to blackmail someone else in this way and that they can report to law enforcement if they want. You can also refer them to KCSARC.
Related resources:
Depending on the age of the person being blackmailed there are two laws that this could fall under:
12. If two people are high, is it consent?
Sober sex is safest. Being high impairs judgement and communication, so it is difficult to give and receive consent.
Related resources:
13. Can someone still be raped by someone they're married to? Even if you been together for many years?
Yes. Marital rape is illegal in the United States. It does not matter how long the couple has been together.
Related resources:
14. What if another person took a video of you changing without consent?
This is illegal. If the person changing was under 18, it would fall under the federal Depictions of a Minor law for development and possession of child sexual abuse materials.
Related resources:
15. What happens if someone is falsely accused of sexual assault?
If they were falsely accused, that means they didn’t actually sexually assault anyone, so nothing happens to them.
Related resources:
16. What if the person you’re dating thinks dating is just about sex?
Sex is not a requirement in any relationship. It’s up to you and your partner to define your relationship.
Related resources:
17. How old do you have to be to watch porn?
You have to be 18 or older to access websites with adult content on them.
Related resources:
18. What if someone doesn't get over PTSD or other things?
If someone isn’t getting over PTSD, encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health therapist who specializes in treating PTSD.
Related resources:
19. Is it possible to give consent through text?
It is possible. However, consent can be taken back at any time. If someone gives consent over text and changes their mind in person, the consent is no longer valid.
Related resources:
20. When people are in a relationship, do they ask for consent every time?
Yes, consent is needed every time.
Related resources:
21. How do you know if a person actually deletes your nudes?
Unfortunately, there is no way to be sure a person deletes your nudes. Once a photo or video is sent, you lose control over what happens to it.
Related resources:
22. Why do people not take men/boys seriously when they experience sexual violence?
People don’t take sexual violence against men and boys seriously because of deeply ingrained gender norms, sexual myths, discomfort, and lack of representation.
Related resources:
23. Why are so few sexual violence crimes reported?
- Fear of not being believed
- Shame and social stigma
- Fear of retaliation or further harm
- Distrust in police and justice system
- Desire for privacy
- Lack of knowledge or access to support
Related resources:
24. What is the most common age that someone reports childhood sexual assault?
The average age that someone reports childhood sexual abuse is 48-52.
Related resources:
25. What is cat calling?
Cat calling is when someone makes unwanted comments, whistles, or gestures – often sexual or suggestive.
Related resources:
26. What age is the best age to have sex your first time?
There is not a best or right time because it is an individual decision, based on personal values, cultural beliefs, knowledge about sex, and communication skills.
Related resources:
27. What if someone that is underage wants to have sex with an adult?
It is illegal for an adult to have sex with someone underage, even if the underage person feels like they want to.
Related resources:
28. Is there a difference between consent and permission?
These terms are very similar. The difference is that consent is about a mutual decision between two people. Permission is something that one person asks from another.
Related resources:
29. How do we know a yes is a yes when we ask to do sexual activities?
It’s important to be honest when saying yes and to trust it when someone does. If you are not sure or are getting mixed signals, stop and check in.
Related resources:
30. What happens if a child creates inappropriate pornography pictures and gets caught?
Even if they are under the age of 18, it is still illegal for them to take, create or distribute inappropriate pictures of anyone, including themselves.
By legal definition, sexting between two consenting individuals under the age of 18 is illegal. However, it is important to communicate to students that law enforcement has discretion in deciding whether to charge those who cause harm. Nude photos existing in a teenager’s camera roll or Snapchat account on its own does not cause harm. Harm is caused when there is a lack of consent. For example, when someone forwards the photos or shows them to friends without permission, posts them online without permission, etc. We want to make it clear to victims that they are not at risk of being criminally charged for taking the photos in the first place, because it is not their fault that someone broke their trust, and they should feel comfortable coming forward about what they’re experiencing without fear of prosecution.
Related resources:
31. What do you do if you get sent an explicit picture without consent?
Do not forward it and delete it from your phone.
By legal definition, sexting between two consenting individuals under the age of 18 would be illegal. However, what is important to communicate with students is that law enforcement has discretion to charge who causes the harm. Nude photos existing in a teenager’s camera roll or snapchat account on its own does not cause harm. Harm is caused when there is lack of consent. Someone forwards the photos or shows them to friends without permission, the photos are posted online without permission, etc. We want to also let students know that if they were sent a picture without consent that is also not their fault and if it is deleted and not forwarded, they will not be legally charged for possession.
Related resources:
32. If teenagers agreed to share nude photos of themselves, is it violating the law?
Technically yes, it is violating the law. However, if there is consent, it’s unlikely that it will be reported to law enforcement.
By legal definition, sexting between two consenting individuals under the age of 18 is illegal. However, it is important to communicate to students that law enforcement has discretion in deciding whether to charge those who cause harm. Nude photos existing in a teenager’s camera roll or Snapchat account on its own does not cause harm. Harm is caused when there is a lack of consent. For example, when someone forwards the photos or shows them to friends without permission, posts them online without permission, etc. We want to make it clear to victims that they are not at risk of being criminally charged for taking the photos in the first place, because it is not their fault that someone broke their trust, and they should feel comfortable coming forward about what they’re experiencing without fear of prosecution.
34. Should you report a sexual assault if the victim does not want it to be reported?
It is not recommended to report something on someone’s behalf, especially without discussing it with them first. However, if you are a mandated reporter, it does have to be reported.
Related resources:
35. What if I liked the person - does that mean it wasn't assault?
Even if you liked the person, you still need ongoing consent to have sex with them. Liking someone is not the same thing as having or giving consent.
Related resources:
36. Do most sexual assaults happen by strangers?
This is a common misconception. About 80% of the time, people are hurt by someone they know.
Related resources:
37. Does sexual assault only involve physical force?
No. Many sexual assaults occur without physical force. Some people use manipulation, lying, or blackmail to sexually assault someone.
Related resources:
38. If you experience sexual violence as a child, are you more likely to grow up to hurt other people?
No. The majority of child victims do not grow up to become perpetrators solely as a result of the abuse they experienced.
Related resources:
39. What's the difference between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape?
Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or behavior (often verbal or non-physical) — usually happens in workplaces, schools, or public spaces.
Sexual assault: Any unwanted sexual touching or contact without consent (can include groping, forced kissing, etc.).
Rape: A form of sexual assault that involves non-consensual penetration (vaginal, oral, etc.).
Related resources:
40. What happens if someone reports an assault to the police?
A few different things can happen, and it will depend on what’s being reported. For more specific information, you can call KCSARC and talk with a legal advocate free of cost.
Related resources:
41. Does the way someone dresses or acts make them responsible for being sexually assaulted?
No. The responsibility of sexual assault is always on the person who perpetrates it. It is never the victim’s fault.
Related resources:
42. Can men be victims of sexual assault?
Yes. Men can be victims of sexual assault. Almost 1 in 5 people that KCSARC helps identify as male.
Related resources:
43. Why do some survivors blame themselves?
Self-blame is a common reaction as a survivor. It’s connected to feeling shame about what happened to them and feeling like it was their fault.
Related resources:
44. Where can someone go for help or counseling?
KCSARC offers mental health therapy for survivors of sexual assault. Call the KCSARC 24-hour Resource Line at 1.888.998.6423 to request counseling.
Related resources:
45. Is it illegal for someone who is 13 to date a 17-year-old?
It is illegal for someone who is 17 to have sex with a 13-year-old.
Related resource:
46. Can you tell by looking at someone if they've been abused?
No. You can’t tell by just looking at someone if they’ve been abused.
Related resources:
47. Do people go to jail for life if they assault someone?
Usually no. The legal consequences for someone who perpetrates sexual assault will depend on many factors.
Related resources:
48. What do you call it if sexual abuse happens in families? Like with a parent or a sibling?
Incest.
Related resources:
49. How long does it take for a case to go to trial?
The average length of time for a sexual assault case in King County to move through the criminal justice system is 1-5 years. Most cases do not actually go to trial.
Related resources:
50. What if someone accidentally were to find a type of illegal pornography?
The best thing to do is not watch it, close it and report or delete it, if possible.
Related resources:
51. Would I get in trouble if I sent nudes to someone but then they got spread around to a bunch of other people?
Generally, no, you would not get in trouble with law enforcement for taking the pictures. Usually, the people who sent them without consent could be charged with that.
By legal definition, sexting between two consenting individuals under the age of 18 is illegal. However, it is important to communicate to students that law enforcement has discretion in deciding whether to charge those who cause harm. Nude photos existing in a teenager’s camera roll or Snapchat account on its own does not cause harm. Harm is caused when there is a lack of consent. For example, when someone forwards the photos or shows them to friends without permission, posts them online without permission, etc. We want to make it clear to victims that they are not at risk of being criminally charged for taking the photos in the first place, because it is not their fault that someone broke their trust, and they should feel comfortable coming forward about what they’re experiencing without fear of prosecution.
Related resources:
52. Can a pedophile be taught not to engage in pedophilic behaviors? We hear a lot about them but never if they can reform.
Yes – people who experience pedophilic attractions can be taught (and supported) not to engage in harmful or illegal behaviors, but this requires structured, professional treatment and strong external supports.
Related resources:
Young people have important questions about sexual assault. Our Prevention team gathered 52 questions from real students and answered them in this FAQ. Browse the questions and answers below!