What is Sexual Violence?

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 but is not limited to: threats of infidelity, denial of contraception, coerced abortion, sexual mutilation, demeaning language, incest (sexual contact between family members), child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, marital or partner rape, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself in public), and voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts).

Sexual assaults are acts of violence where sex is used as a weapon. Assaults are motivated primarily out of anger and/or a need to feel powerful by controlling, dominating, or humiliating the victim. Victims/survivors of sexual assaults are forced, coerced, and/or manipulated to participate in unwanted sexual activity. Victims/survivors do not cause their assaults and are not to blame. Offenders are responsible for their assaults.

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, at any time, and at any place. It happens to people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, economic levels, and to those with disabilities.