Sexual violence is any act (verbal and/or physical) which breaks a person's trust and/or safety and is sexual in nature. The term "sexual violence" includes rape, date/acquaintance rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, marital or partner rape, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism. One of the most startling aspects of sex crimes is how many go unreported.

Family violence and abuse are among the most prevalent forms of interpersonal violence against women and young children--both boys and girls. The sexual abuse of a child should never be "just a family matter," but many children are afraid to report an incident to the police because the abuser is often a family friend or relative.

Working as a team with local law enforcement, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) at Tift Regional Hospital, and the District Attorney's office, Ruth's Cottage provides supportive counseling and assistance to victims of sexual assault.