Dear marie0549,

Sexual assault is the use of force or intimidation, physical or psychological, to make a person engage in sexual activity. And rape is a kind of sexual assault. It is coerced sexual intercourse.

We all have the right to say no to sex — all girls and boys, all women and men. Consent — freely choosing to say "yes" — is not binding. That means that you have the right to change your mind at any time, for any reason. You are the only person who has the right to set — or change — the boundaries around what feels comfortable and good to you! If you consent to something but then change your mind, you have the right to stop it immediately. If both people are truly consenting to sex, it means that they continue to listen to each other every step of the way.

Having sex when you don't want to can be very painful and difficult to deal with, but you have already taken the first step — you're reaching out for help. Remember that it is important to give yourself the time you need to deal with the hurt you feel inside. It is important to continue talking about your feelings. You can call the RAINN hotline for free, confidential, counseling 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-HOPE.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.