Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273; TTY 711
SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact, including words and/or actions of a sexual nature, against a person’s will or without their consent.
A person might use force, threats, manipulation, intimidation, or coercion to commit sexual violence. Sexual violence is motivated by a need to control, humiliate, dominate, or harm. It can occur at any age and in any relationship (including spouse or partner, family member, personal care provider, friend, etc.).
Sexual violence can include, but is not limited to:
- Rape and sexual assault.
- Childhood sexual abuse.
- Verbal sexual harassment.
- Spreading sexual rumors or jokes about rape or sexual assault.
- Nonconsensual oral sex.
- Unwanted sexual touching.
- Flashing, catcalling or unwanted sexual attention.
- Sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
- Reproductive violence and coercion.
- Forced viewing of pornography.
- Taking or sharing sexual images of someone without their consent.
Registration for the next session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, will open early 2026. For full credit, all 16 hours of this free training must be completed. Questions? Contact