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. Factors such as age, cognitive disabilities, mental illness, or incapacitation due to drugs or alcohol can interfere with a person’s awareness that sexual violence has occurred against them.

The absence of physical injuries does not indicate consent. Some forms of sexual violence, like sexist and sexually violent jokes, street sexual harassment, and catcalling, may not be illegal, but they are still threatening and harmful.

Forms of Sexual Violence Include:

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 cyberbullying

The majority of sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows, such as:

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

More than half of female rape victims 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.

Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, regardless of age or gender. People may experience more than one sexual assault in their lives and may also face other forms of violence and social struggles.

Settings Where Sexual Violence Can Occur:

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

Sexual violence is sometimes covered up by institutions or people in positions of authority. Sexual violence is sometimes ignored or allowed to continue even after it is discovered by family members, friends, or other community members. 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 engaged bystanders. Sexual violence affects us all; therefore, we are all a part of the solution.

"The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who's going to stop me."

Ayn Rand

Understanding Sexual Violence