What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is a serious and often misunderstood crime that occurs in many different ways. It can include physical or emotional violence, or both. People from all ages, backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and sexualities can be victims or perpetrators of sexual assault.

Sexual assault and rape are a crime against the body and the mind. They can cause long-term health impacts including stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They can also lead to feelings of shame and guilt. Sexual violence and abuse can also have financial impacts such as the cost of medical treatment and time off work. It can also impact on families, friends and partners who are trying to make sense of what has happened.

Coercion is another important aspect of sexual violence. This doesn’t have to be physical, and can involve psychological pressure – including blackmail or threats about hurting or dismissing the victim from their job. It can also include sexual coercion when the person is unable to give consent for example when they are drunk, drugged or asleep. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) approximately eight out of ten rapes are committed by someone known to the victim – this includes intimate partner rape and acquaintance rape. Those who experience sexual violence may feel a sense of powerlessness and fear as they try to make sense of what has happened to them. They may also be blaming themselves for what has happened or the actions of their attacker.

It is normal for survivors of sexual violence to have a range of emotions after being assaulted, these can be very intense and include feelings like hysteria, anger, shock or numbness. It’s also important for those supporting a survivor to understand that it is not their fault and that there is no excuse or justification for the abuse they have experienced.

There are things we can all do to help reduce sexual violence. We can learn to recognise the signs of a potential sexual assault and know what to do if we see them. We can also support women and men who are working to end sexual violence by volunteering or donating money. We can speak out against sexism and challenge images of violence against women in advertising, pornography and professional wrestling.

People can also take care of their own bodies and be aware that consent is necessary for sex to happen. They can learn how to protect themselves from being assaulted by making sure their homes are safe by locking doors and windows and checking the identity of anyone who comes to their home or calls on the phone.

Finally, it’s vital to be a prosocial bystander by not being afraid to speak out when something is wrong, being prepared to intervene and by taking action to influence the situation positively. This can be done by creating distractions, empowering the individual being harassed to leave and helping them escape or confronting the perpetrator directly if it’s safe to do so.