Understanding Sexual Violence

Sexual violence refers to any kind of unwanted sexual contact or behaviour that is not consensual. This can include touching someone’s genitals, breasts or bottom including through clothing. Sexual assault can also involve penetration by a foreign object or another person.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone but some people are more at risk than others. Women, girls and gender-diverse people are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence because of the discrimination they face in society. People with disabilities, Indigenous people and those who are homeless or underhoused are also at higher risk. These factors can make it harder for them to get help or report abuse.

Despite the stigma surrounding sexual violence, there are things that everyone can do to help prevent it. Preventive measures include promoting safe relationships, healthy behaviours and thoughtful policies to create environments where people are treated with respect and equity. It is also important to remember that prevention is a process and can take time.

Victims and survivors of sexual assault may experience a wide range of emotions after a traumatic event such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. This can lead to them withdrawing from social activities, staying home more often or quitting sports teams. It is also common for survivors to be reluctant to discuss their traumatic experience with others.

Many people who perpetrate sexual violence are known to their victims. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows or trusts, especially intimate partners, acquaintances and family members. This type of sexual violence is called interpersonal or domestic violence. Perpetrators can use force or emotional coercion to pressure a victim into non-consensual sex. They can also threaten to hurt or kill their victims, their loved ones or even themselves to control them. Force doesn’t necessarily mean physical pressure, but it can include a threat to hurt or kill, manipulation, emotional blackmail, intimidation and other psychological threats.

In order to understand sexual violence, it is also important to recognize the power structures that can contribute to it. Patriarchy is one of the biggest contributors to sexual violence. This is because men are socialized to believe that they have the right and responsibility to initiate sexual activity with women. Patriarchy normalizes this behaviour with messages like “boys will be boys” and that males are naturally more aggressive than females.

A survivor of sexual violence can experience a variety of feelings following the event such as anger, anxiety and sadness. They may also experience symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, sleeplessness and nightmares. Survivors may experience dissociation which is where they feel detached from their bodies and experiences. This can include feeling like they are floating up out of their body or looking over their shoulder during the incident.

If someone you know is struggling with the effects of sexual assault or rape, it is important to let them know that they are not alone. It is also important to see them for who they are and not to treat them with stigma or blame. It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.