The Passaic County Women’s Center provides comprehensive supports for survivors of sexual assault, including housing, counseling, case management, legal advocacy, and crisis response. Support for men and women living in NJAC’s correctional programs is also available via our 24-hour hotline.
The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:
Force doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family or other intimidation tactics.
The majority of perpetrators are someone known to the victim- approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. It can and does happen within an existing intimate partner relationship or in a dating relationship. Or it can be a neighbor, friend of a friend, or other casual acquaintance.
Dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.
In other instances, the victim may not know the perpetrator at all. This type of sexual violence is sometimes referred to as stranger rape.
Survivors of both stranger rape and acquaintance rape often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the perpetrator.
It’s important to remember that the victim is never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator.
We have helped thousands of people in all of the communities that we support. Read through their stories and how their lives have changed for the better.
This program helped me so much over the last 15 months with emotional and living support in a safe place. (CCWC) encouraged me to be a strong woman, motivated me to move forward in my life.
Survivor
I love the services that I have been given by [my case managers]. I will return to share my growth with the ladies because they have helped me become a better me and have faith in myself.
Survivor
Completamente recommendable muy profecional con personas responsables y amable y apollo que me han brindado.
Survivor
Survivor
My counselor was helpful, friendly, and understanding. I wish everyone going through this could know that there is someone that can do this for them.
Survivor
My case manager was very understanding and listened to me in a non-judgmental and caring environment. She gave me some great options. I loved her inspirational quotes.
Survivor
We all struggle from time to time, but to get uplifting support to make you feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel in time of need is so amazing. To never give up; to put one foot in front of the other; that there is hope.
Survivor
NJAC’s programs are ll in need of your support. Our Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault programs are dependent on volunteer participation and we offer regularly scheduled training opportunities.
Financial contributions, as well as product donations, are always welcome. Whether you are able to give of your time or resources, this is a place for you at NJAC.
