Sexual violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will. Sexual violence in all forms is motivated by power and control. Sexual violence encompasses a range of offenses, including: completed nonconsensual sex act (i.e., rape); attempted nonconsensual sex act; abusive sexual contact (i.e., unwanted touching); and non-contact sexual abuse (e.g., threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, verbal sexual harassment).
The law in New Jersey, which is gender neutral, does not specify male or female, but uses the words "actor" and "victim" to describe the persons involved.
For the full definition of sexual assault please refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-1.
The Sexual Assault Response Team consists of a forensic nurse examiner, a confidential sexual violence advocate (CSVA) and a law enforcement officer. The SART uses a team concept in providing the compassionate and all-inclusive medical care, emotional and informative support, along with the gathering of crucial evidence of the sexual assault incident. For the most part and significantly, the SART will help to support victims in order to formulate knowledgeable resolutions concerning their care and healing. It is the victim’s choice whether or not to activate SART.
The SART can be activated 24 hours a day and 7 days a week providing:
The New Jersey State Police does not offer counseling services, however if you have or are experiencing sexual violence, please know there is help and that you are not alone. Many counties throughout New Jersey have a sexual violence program providing a range of services to survivors of sexual violence by trained and compassionate advocates.
If you have experienced sexual violence and would like to speak with someone about it, you can call the 24-hour Statewide Hotline at 1-800-601-7200 or look below to contact your local sexual violence program.
Many services are free, confidential and provided regardless of gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, ability level or immigration status.
AVANZAR
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 800-286-4184
Web:
healingSPACE
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 201-487-2227
Web:
CONTACT of Burlington County
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 856-600-4800
Web:
Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV), Center for Family Services
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 866-295-7378
Web:
C.A.R.A.
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 877-294-2272
Web:
Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV), Center for Family Services
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
24 Hr. Hotline: 866-295-7378
Web:
SAVE of Essex County
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 877-733-2273
Web:
Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV), Center for Family Services
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 866-295-7378
Web:
Hudson SPEAKS
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 201-795-5757
Web:
SAFE in Hunterdon
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: (908) 788-4044
Web:
Younity
24 Hr. Hotline: (609) 394-9000
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Text Line: (609) 619-1888
Web:
Middlesex County Center for Empowerment
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 877-665-7273
Web:
180 Turning Lives Around
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 888-264-7273
Web:
Morris County Sexual Trauma Center
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 973-829-0587
Web:
Sexual Abuse & Assault Program of St. Francis Counseling Service
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 609-494-1090
Web:
Passaic County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 973-881-1450
Web:
Office for Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance (VPVA)
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 732-932-1181
Web:
Salem County Women's Services
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 856-935-6655
Web:
Safe+Sound Somerset
Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 866-685-1122
Web:
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI)
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 973-875-1211
Web:
Union County Rape Crisis Center
Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 908-233-7273
Web:
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC)
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Services
Phone: 908-453-4181
Web:
A compiled list of New Jersey Sexual Violence Service Agencies is available .