Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Find Help - NJCASA has resources and information on where to report an assault.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) is the statewide advocacy organization that represents New Jersey’s 21 county-based sexual violence programs.
This website is designed in both English and Spanish, it provides strong information regarding prevention and knowledge over sexual abuse. The website also provides resources if you are in need of help or support all over the state of New Jersey.
New Jersey Department of Health: The NJ Department of Health provides information on sexual health, including information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, and reproductive health. Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey: Planned Parenthood provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and contraception.
The Rutgers Health Center: The Rutgers Health Center provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and contraception.
The Center for Health Education, Outreach, and Services (CHEOS) at Montclair State University: CHEOS provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and contraception.
The Wellness Center at The College of New Jersey: The Wellness Center at TCNJ provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and contraception.
New Jersey Family Planning League: The New Jersey Family Planning League provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and contraception. New Jersey AIDS Services: New Jersey AIDS Services provides support, education, and resources to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey.
It is important to note that these resources may have limited availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is always a good idea to check with the specific organization for the most up-to-date information on services and availability.
Sexual health is a broad term that refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being related to sexual activity and reproduction. It includes a range of physical, emotional, and social factors that impact an individual's sexual health and relationships. Good sexual health is essential for overall physical and mental well-being and can help individuals lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
There are many different aspects to sexual health, including physical health, mental health, and social health. Physical health is related to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Mental health is related to the emotional well-being of individuals in their sexual relationships, including the ability to communicate effectively and establish healthy boundaries. Social health is related to the way in which individuals interact with others in their sexual relationships, including understanding and respecting the boundaries and needs of others.
Promoting sexual health involves educating yourself and others about the importance of taking care of their physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexual activity and relationships. It also involves providing resources and support to help individuals make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Contraception, or birth control, prevents unintended pregnancies through various methods such as condoms, oral contraceptives, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). It is crucial to discuss each method's effectiveness, pros and cons, and proper use with a physician to make informed decisions. Condoms are widely available and effective at preventing both STIs and pregnancies but can break or slip off. Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy through hormones, but do not protect against STIs and can have side effects. LARCs, such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, offer long-term protection but can also have side effects and do not protect against STIs. It is essential to use condoms in addition to other methods to reduce the risk of STIs.
STIs are infections transmitted through sexual contact that can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including death. Preventative measures such as condom use and regular testing should be emphasized, as should education about symptoms and resources for testing and treatment. STIs include bacterial and viral infections transmitted through various types of sexual contact, and some, such as HIV and hepatitis, can be transmitted through shared injection drug use equipment. Symptoms vary but may include discharge, pain, itching, or sores. Early detection and treatment are crucial, and testing is widely available through clinics, doctors' offices, and community health centers.
Healthy relationships involve good communication, trust, understanding of boundaries, and respect. Consent is crucial for all sexual encounters and lack of consent can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences for survivors. Sexual assault is a serious and prevalent issue that can take many forms, and it is important to educate oneself and others about the importance of consent and the resources available for survivors.
LGBTQ+ individuals face unique health needs and challenges when it comes to sexual health. It is important to address these needs and promote inclusivity and respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities.
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. It is a broad term that refers to individuals who identify as something other than heterosexual or cisgender. Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination and stigma in healthcare settings and may have unique health needs that are not always addressed by mainstream healthcare providers. It is important to educate healthcare providers about the specific health concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and to provide inclusive and respectful care.
Some specific health concerns that may affect LGBTQ+ individuals include the higher risk of STIs, mental health challenges, and discrimination in healthcare settings.
