Defining Sexual Violence & Abuse

Sexual violence is a broad term that includes acts that are more generally recognized as crimes, such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, femicide (murder of women), as well as many other practices such as female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and sexual slavery/prostitution.

Sexual violence a term that encompasses many forms of sexual violation. It includes:

• Forced oral, vaginal, and anal penetration
• Forced touching, kissing, fondling
• Forced participation in sexual acts
• Forced sexual acts involving weapons or objects
• Forced exposure to sexual conduct
• Coerced sexual behaviour
• Manipulative sexuality
• Forced exposure to sexual information
• Discrimination based on gender
• Sexual intimidation, threats and fear

Sexual violence also includes attitudes and behaviours that are generated, condoned and justified through sexism and misogyny.

Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature that is imposed on another person. This can mean anything from unwanted touching of a sexual nature to rape.

Sexual violence is perpetrated everywhere – in homes, in communities, at workplaces, on the streets and within societal institutions – schools, prisons, churches, health facilities, social organizations and government systems, throughout the world.