Sexual Violence Resource Site
This website was developed for Thomas Worthington High School students who have experienced a form of sexual violence. It is a resource and support hub designed to provide a safe, judgment-free place where students can access the information that they may need. It is strongly encouraged that you share this site with friends and family members who can give you support, or who need support for themselves. This site was created by a Thomas Worthington High School student who recognizes a need for easy access to understandable information and resources.
You are not alone...
1/3 women and 1/4 men experience sexual violence during their lifetime.
There are about 1,725 students who attend TWHS. Based on these statistics, approximately 287 girls and 215 boys at TWHS have or will at some point experience sexual violence during their lifetime.
There are people who want to help you...
You may wonder if what happened to you is really considered sexual violence.
Sexual violence is defined as:
Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting.
What is consent?
Consent is defined as permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
The FRIES acronym can help you remember consent:
• Freely Given – A decision made without pressure, force, or manipulation.
• Reversible – Anyone can change their mind about what they want to do, at any time.
• Informed – Everyone is honest and understands the potential consequences.
• Enthusiastic – If someone isn’t into it, that’s not consent.
• Specific – Saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean saying yes to other things.
A few examples of what is not consent...
Two people have been dating for several months, and they've started having sex recently. Although the past experiences have been positive, one day one of them didn't want to have sex but the other really wanted to. They kept asking again and again, not understanding or listening to the other. After they continued to push, the other gave in because they didn't want to upset them and risk getting into an argument or breaking up.
This is not consent.
Two friends joke around a lot. One of them has recently started making jokes about how good the other one's body looks in their pants. As days go on, the jokes continuously get more specific. They don't notice that the friend isn't laughing and eventually is trying to avoid them.
This is not consent.
What else to watch out for...
What is human trafficking?
U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into
commercial sex acts or labor against their will. The Action-Means-Purpose (AMP) Model can be
helpful. Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, often referred to as a trafficker, takes
an Action, and then employs the Means of force, fraud, or coercion for the Purpose of compelling
the victim to provide commercial sex acts or labor or services.
What is grooming?
Grooming is a form of abuse that involves manipulating someone until they’re isolated, dependent,
and more vulnerable to exploitation. The person who engages in grooming behaviors may be an
adult or another minor (under 18 years) who may have more power due to age, size, or ability.
Stages of Grooming:
• Targeting a minor
• Gaining the minor's (and/or caregiver's) trust
• Filling a need
• Isolating the minor
• Sexualizing the relationship
• Maintaining control