FAQs on Sexual Violence

Though often used interchangeably, these two terms have different meanings. Sexual abuse is a term used mainly to describe sex crimes committed against minors under the age of 18. It generally refers to ongoing sex crimes against a child for a period of time, such as a pattern of abuse. Sexual assault is more often used to describe sex crimes committed against adult victims and is also more commonly used in reference to isolated acts, such as a single incident of inappropriate or nonconsensual sexual touching.

Consent is an affirmative, unambiguous and conscious decision by each participant to mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent is voluntary and must be given without coercion, force, threats or intimidation. Consent is revocable and can be revoked at any time. Consent to some form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent on one occasion is not consent to engage in sexual activity on another occasion. Consent cannot be given when someone is incapacitated, unconscious, coming in and out of consciousness, or if that person’s understanding of the act is affected by a physical or mental impairment.

Coercion and manipulation involve persuading, influencing, or controlling someone to do something through the use of threats, dishonesty, or pressure as well as exploitation of someone’s trust or abusing one’s power/authority. For example, someone may: make you feel like you owe them, continue to pressure or badger you, or make you feel afraid or threatened if you say no.

The perpetrator is the only person responsible for committing sexual violence and most of the time, they sexually assault someone they know and/or have established trust with.

Most commonly, perpetrators sexually assault someone in a private space like a home, loved one’s home, dorm, etc. However, they can happen anywhere. Perpetrators sexually assault at all times of the day.

Know that what happened to you was not your fault and you have several options. If you wish to pursue legal actions or want to discuss them, please contact us for a free consultation. You can also visit our resources tab for chats, hotlines, and many other sexual violence resources that may help you.

Believe and support them. Your support can make a large difference in their healing.Send them our resources page so they can view several optional that can help.