What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any sexual behaviours or sexual acts that are committed against a person’s will.
Sexual violence can affect people of all genders throughout their lives and can be perpetrated by strangers or people who are known to the victim-survivor. Sexual violence is prevalent and can intersect with other forms of harm.
Sexual violence is any sexual behaviour or sexual act that is committed against a person’s will. It occurs when a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity or acts. It can include completed or attempted assaults or incidents, and may or may not involve force and threats. It is unwanted and takes place without consent.
Sexual violence violates the fundamental rights of a human being, their personal integrity, security and safety. Sexual violence is also about power and control.The effects can last a lifetime, extending out to family members, school and work, communities and down through generations.
