Making the decision to reach out and tell someone about your experience of sexual violence can be difficult. It can also be empowering. Read more...
Sexual Violence
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is sexual activity by force against a person’s will.
It is using sexual activity as a way to hurt, humiliate or gain control over someone else. These actions are committed by boyfriends, girlfriends, friends, acquaintances, family, lovers, partners and strangers.
Sexual violence does not discriminate and it is never the victim’s fault.
Each of these elements can include a wide range of behaviors. Examples are listed below.
| Sexual Activity | By Force | Against a Person's Will |
| holding hands | coercion/ manipulation | without consent** |
| hugging | bribes | |
| kissing | blackmail | |
| touching | threats | |
| petting/ fondling | alcohol/ other drugs | |
| intercourse (oral, anal and vaginal) | holding down | |
| hitting | ||
| use of weapons | ||
| tricks | ||
| intimidation | ||
| abuse of power in relationships | ||
| pressure |
* The Center's definition of intercourse includes oral, anal and vaginal penetration. Penetration can be penile, digital or through the use of an object.
** In cases involving alcohol or drug use, sexual activity with verbal consent may still classify as
against a person's will as these substances may impair one's ability to fully give consent. Furthermore, the Center's definition does not consider coerced consent to be valid.
