Understanding Sexual Violence

Sexual violence includes any form of unwanted sexual act or activity, which may be physical or non-physical, that takes place without someone’s full, informed consent. Sexual violence is used by perpetrators to gain power and control, allowing them to treat survivors with no regard or respect. 

Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, sex, or gender identity. Sexual violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Sexual violence occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, dating, or share a child.

It can be perpetrated by a complete stranger, or by someone known and even trusted, such as a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner. No-one should ever be made to engage in sexual activity without their explicit consent. If this has happened to you, it was not your fault, and you are not alone. 

Sexual violence exists in many different forms and can occur physically or virtually via online violence. If a sexual act (whether physical or virtual) occurs with one or more of these characteristics present or without consent it is likely that sexual violence may have occurred. Below are what is meant by sexual violence,  click on each box to find out more.