Sexual assault is defined by the CDC as “a sexual act that is committed or attempted by another person without freely given consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse.” It often involves physical force, but can also involve threatening or manipulative words, blackmail, or any kind of coercion.
Sexual assault can include a range of nonconsensual activities, such as attempted rape, rape where the victim’s body was penetrated, rape where the victim was forced to penetrate someone else’s body, unwelcome sexual touching or contact, and other nonconsensual sex acts, such as oral sex.
If you experienced any of these situations during your Uber or Lyft ride, it is considered sexual assault. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to speak with a counselor or a trusted person in your life about what happened. The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) can also provide support and guidance.