Sexual violence is a general term used to describe any unwanted sexual activity and includes any act by violence, coercion or manipulation, regardless of the relationship to the victim and may include:
- rape
- sexual assault
- incest
- sexual exploitation
- unwanted or inappropriate contact
- sexual harassment
- revenge porn
- exposure
- threats
- stalking/cyberstalking.
Sexual violence happens when someone forces you to have sex or commit a sexual act without your consent, including incidents that happen online or virtually.
Sexual violence does not have to involve any kind of weapon or physical violence or leave you with physical injuries. If you didn’t try to scream or run away that does not mean it wasn’t sexual violence – it’s really common for people in this situation to find themselves unable to speak or move.
If you’re under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, you cannot consent to a sexual act. If you are assaulted once under the influence, this is a criminal offence.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted or raped, it’s important to remember that it isn’t your fault.
Definitions
Rape is defined as someone with a penis penetrating another person’s vagina, anus or mouth without consent, and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assault by penetration is defined as someone penetrating another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with something other than a penis, without their consent, and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Examples
- sexual assault can involve the touching of skin, clothing or the use of something else to touch skin or clothing
- unwanted kissing
- touching someone’s genitals, breasts or bottom – including through clothing without consent
- touching any other part of the body for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, stroking someone’s thigh or rubbing their back without consent
- pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner without consent
- someone making another person touch them in a sexual manner without consent
- touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting up someone’s skirt without consent
- stealthing - where someone removes a condom without the other person’s permission – or lies about putting one on
- keeping someone pregnant in order to make them feel reliant on them
- forcing a pregnancy or abortion
- making someone feel guilty if they don’t want to have sex with them
- making someone feel guilty if they don’t have sex in a certain way
- spiking or using drugs to engage in sexual activity
- cyber flashing and “dick pics”