Information comes from recent studies in the United States and Canada and from experiences of sexual assault victims and counselors. A major part of the statistical base comes from 513 cases reported to 5 sexual assault centers in Ontario from March 1, 1979, to February 29, 1980. Probably 115,550 women and men are victims of sexual assault in Canada each year. Sexual assault is a particularly damaging act of violence. To control its incidence, society's attitudes must change, especially the notion that violence is normal in sexual relations. Hospitals, the medical profession, police departments, the law, and the courts must change their outlook and procedures to treat sexual assault victims as legitimate victims who need help. Hospital workers should learn to provide emotional crisis care for victims of sexual crimes and to follow standardized procedures for collecting medical evidence. Police officers must eliminate bias, avoid harassment of victims, and understand the psychological effects of sexual assault. Court procedures should allow more considerate treatment of the victim to lessen the trauma of testifying. Changes in Federal legislation were introduced in the 1981 session of Parliament establishing sexual assault as a distinct and serious form of assault and providing higher maximum penalties. Once the law is passed, the judicial system must translate new legal concepts into courtroom practice and into police department procedures. In addition, counseling services for victims, improved rehabilitation of offenders, and increased public security measures are needed. All these improvements require the support of enlightened public opinion. Footnotes, a list of rape crisis centers, and 30 references are provided.