WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE?

 

It is the use of sexual actions and words that are unwanted by and/or harmful to another person. 

Some common terms that are used interchangeably with sexual violence are sexual abuse and sexual assault.

 

 

KEY TERMS…

Text Box: Sexual Consent: Free and active agreement, given equally by both partners, to engage in a specific sexual activity. Consent is not present when either partner: • is below the legal age of consent • fears the consequences of not consenting (including use of force) • feels threatened or intimidated • is coerced (see below) • says no, either verbally or physically (e.g., crying, kicking or pushing away) • has disabilities that prevent the person from making an informed choice • is incapacitated by alcohol or drugs • lacks full knowledge or information of what is happening • is not an active participant in the activity Sexual Coercion: Compelling someone to submit to an unwanted sexual act by intimidating, threatening, misusing authority, manipulating, tricking, or bribing with actions and words. When a person is coerced, she or he has not given consent.