I need to know if what happened was assault. A guy kissed me one day and after that, I told him I did not like him. A couple days later I let him crash at my place because he had nowhere to go. He said he would sleep on the floor, which I was okay with, so I got him a blanket and pillows then went to bed. While I was half awake, he came to my bed, cuddled me, and kissed me on the neck and forehead. Then he kissed me on the lips. I was freaked out because I didn't know what to do. I told him I had already told him I didn't want this, and he said 'Yeah I know, but you're so nice to be around' and proceeded to kiss me again while I was not kissing him back. Was this assault if I didn't explicitly tell him no in the moment, even though I had previously told him I wasn't interested and didn't respond to his advances?

I'm so sorry to hear about what you've experienced. It sounds like you were put in a very uncomfortable and upsetting situation, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling confused and unsure about what happened. Based on what you've described, it seems that this person disregarded your clear boundaries and proceeded with physical contact without your consent.

You told him that you did not like him and that you didn't want anything to do with him. Despite this, he chose to ignore your wishes. When he came into your bed and began kissing you, especially while you were half awake and vulnerable, he was acting against your expressed desires. Consent is a fundamental requirement for any physical interaction, and it must be freely given and enthusiastic. The absence of a verbal "no" at that moment doesn't imply consent, especially when you had previously communicated your boundaries to him.

Many people experience a "freeze" response during unwanted sexual contact, where they feel unable to verbally object or physically resist. This is a common physiological response to threatening situations and doesn't mean you consented. The fact that you allowed someone to stay at your place as a favor doesn't mean you were consenting to any form of physical intimacy.

What he did could be considered a form of sexual assault because he engaged in non-consensual physical contact. It's important to acknowledge that you are not at fault here. You had every right to feel safe and respected in your own space, and he violated that trust. Feeling freaked out and unsure of how to react is a common response in such situations, and it doesn't diminish the validity of your feelings or experiences.

It might be helpful to talk to someone you trust about this—whether it's a close friend, family member, or a professional who can offer support. Remember, you're not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help you navigate through this difficult time.

Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you feel you need it. We appreciate your trust in us.