Sex that you don't want is never okay.  If you say no to any sexual activity and your partner (whether it is a friend, your spouse, the person you are dating, a family member, a professional or someone you just met) doesn't stop, they are breaking the law.  It is sexual assault if someone touches you sexually and you haven't said yes.  If someone forces you to have sexual intercourse, that is rape. No means no. It is never okay for a person to have any type of sexual activity with you if you do not or cannot give consent.

Sexual assault and rape is never your fault.  If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, you are the victim of a crime.  You should tell someone you trust and seek medical attention as soon as possible. For support or counselling, call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or talk to a parent, a friend, a teacher, a nurse or other adult you trust.

Getting medical attention as soon as possible can help to prevent pregnancy and HIV infection.  As well, you can be tested for a date rape drug if you choose to press charges.  You can get help from your community Health Centre, the RCMP and in Iqaluit, the hospital.
If you've been raped or are the victim of sexual assault, it is not your fault. You'll need support and patience. It can take a long time to recover physically and even longer to recover emotionally.

 
Sexual Assault and Young People
85% of the time when a young person is sexually assaulted or raped, it is by someone he or she knows. It could be a date, a friend, a relative or even a member of their own family. It can happen in a car, at a party, at someone's house or even your own house. Sexual assault is never okay and it includes any kind of unwanted sexual touching-not just forcing sexual intercourse.

There are three things you can do to reduce the chance of sexual assault and date rape:

• Be clear about what you want or don't want. Mind reading doesn't work. Say "NO" when you mean no. Tell your partner "When I say NO I mean it. STOP when I say stop." If you say nothing your partner might think everything is okay and you want to go further. If someone says NO and you don't stop - you are committing a crime.
• Stay alert and sober - Drinking too much alcohol often leads to a sexual assault because someone can take advantage of you when you can't think clearly. When you go to a party where there will be drinking or people are taking drugs, make sure you have someone who will be your "safety buddy" - that's someone who will look out for you and help you to get out of dangerous situations. And remember, if you are the one asking if it's 'okay', no one can legally consent to sex when they are sleeping or passed out or if they have used alcohol or drugs. If the person has been drinking or is high, they might not know what they are doing and don't have the ability to decide it's okay. If you have sex with someone who has not, or cannot, give consent, you have committed a crime.
• Trust your feelings. If you feel uncomfortable at a party or anywhere else, trust your feelings and leave. Find a friend to leave with you or call someone to come and get you.