Understanding Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact.
This can include words and actions of a sexual nature

Sexual violence can be committed without the knowledge of the person harmed. For example, several factors can interfere with a person’s knowledge that sexual violence has been committed against them: age, cognitive disabilities, mental illness, incapacitation due to drugs and/or alcohol, and others.

Some forms of sexual violence may not be illegal,
such as sexist and sexually violent jokes; street sexual harassment and catcalling. This does not make them any less threatening or harmful to the person victimized

People who perpetrate sexual assault often use coercion, manipulation, or “charm.” In some cases, they may use force, threats, or injury. The lack of physical injuries to the victim does not indicate the victim’s consent.

There are many forms of sexual violence, including but not limited to:

Child sexual abuse (see page 12 for a definition)
Commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and human trafficking
Exposure and voyeurism
Forced participation in the production or viewing of pornography
Incest
Rape – whether the victim knows the perpetrator slightly, casually, intimately, or not at all
Ritual abuse
Sexual harassment
Sexual or gender-based bullying, including cyber-bullying

The majority of sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows.
They can include:

Caregivers
Classmates
Family members
Friends and neighbors
Healthcare providers
Members and leaders of faith communities
Partners
Teachers and coaches

More than half (51%) of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 41% by an acquaintance; for male victims, more than half (52%) reported being raped by an acquaintance and 15% by a stranger.

Persons victimized by sexual violence can be any age or gender, but children and teens are at the highest risk.
People may experience more than one sexual assault during their lives. They may also face other forms of violence and social struggles.

Sexual violence can occur in any setting, including but not limited to:

Faith communities
Healthcare facilities
Homes
Party or other social events
Prisons and other correctional facilities
Residential care facilities
Schools and childcare programs
Teams and other organized recreational activities
Workplaces

Oppression is a root cause of sexual violence.
Sexual violence is tied to inequality. People who commit sexual violence may target people who may have less perceived power in society due to factors such as (but not limited to):

Age
Disability
Gender identity
Immigration status
Income
Political identity
Race or ethnicity
Religious or spiritual beliefs
Sexual orientation

Inequality can result in people having less access to information and resources. This can make it hard for a person to report sexual assault or get help.

Sexual violence affects everyone: individuals, families, communities, and the larger society.
Sexual violence often impacts an individual’s education, employment and income, housing and shelter, and physical and mental health. Relationships with friends and family members may be impacted.

Sexual violence can be prevented.
Community members can work to prevent sexual violence by establishing healthy and positive relationships that are based on respect, safety, and equality. Community members can play an active role in stopping sexual violence before it occurs by becoming an informed observer. Sexual violence affects us all; therefore, we are all a part of the solution