Dear zharris70,

Yes. Although the most common rape situations involve a man raping a woman or a man raping another man, both women and men can be victims of rape and both women and men can perpetrate rape. And both women and men can be guilty of coercing others to have sex with them in other ways. It happens among heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals.

Although each state defines crimes like "rape" and "sexual assault" differently, generally speaking, sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact. This includes forced vaginal intercourse, but the term may also be used to refer to forced anal or oral sex, including any amount of penetration with a body part (like a penis or a hand) or an object (like a bottle or a stick). It can also mean forced touching or groping of sexual body parts, like a girl's breasts or vulva, or a guy's penis, anus, or scrotum.

It's important to remember that sexual assault is not about sexual desire — it's about violence and humiliation. Anyone — woman or man — has the right to say "no" to sexual contact that she or he doesn't want. Remember:

• Sexual assault is never the victim's fault.



• Women and men may want sex sometimes and may not want sex sometimes.



• Women and men get to change their minds and say "no" to sex, even if they've consented to some kind of sex play.



• Women and men can be violent or aggressive.



• Women and men can be pressured, coerced, or forced into sex, especially when alcohol or other drugs are used.

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.