What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel upset, scared or ashamed. It can take lots of different forms, from being physically assaulted to sending messages with sexual content. It can happen to people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, sexualities, faiths and ethnicities.

Whether or not a person has been physically attacked, all forms of sexual violence are crimes. They can have a huge impact on a victim’s life. The experience can be very distressing, and survivors often struggle to come to terms with what has happened. Survivors may suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and some are at risk of experiencing chronic physical health problems. It can also affect relationships with friends, family and loved ones.

The consequences of sexual violence can last a lifetime. Some survivors are affected by flashbacks or nightmares, and many find it difficult to trust others. They may also develop feelings of anger, guilt, shame or fear that they are to blame. Some may find it difficult to have intimate relationships, and they can be particularly reluctant to leave their homes at night. They can also struggle to have children and find it harder to get employment.

It is important to remember that no one deserves to be subjected to sexual violence. Even if a person consents to sexual activity or has sex without their partner, they have still been sexually assaulted. Coercion can include psychological intimidation or blackmail, and it can happen when a person is drunk, asleep or mentally incapable of giving consent. Sexual violence is often committed against women, but men can be victims as well.

Research shows that sexual violence is a complex issue with no single cause. It is linked to a wide range of factors, such as poverty, substance misuse and domestic abuse. Cultural differences in gender roles and permitted gender behaviors can also play a role. For example, men from more conservative cultures may interpret nonsexual behavior or platonic interest of women from more liberal cultures as sexual in nature and use this as a reason to sexually assault them.

Sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence can happen in any setting, at home or at work. It can be carried out by strangers, relatives or colleagues. It is most commonly perpetrated by men, but women can be victims too, and it is often a hidden problem. The scale of sexual violence is often underestimated because there are few reliable ways to count the number of victims and survivors. Data typically comes from police records, clinical settings and surveys conducted by nongovernmental organisations. This can lead to a situation where the tip of the iceberg is revealed, but the vast majority remains hidden.

There are a range of things that can be done to help reduce the risk of sexual violence, including ensuring that all doors and windows can be locked securely, keeping garages and sheds locked and ensuring that all sales or service workers have proper identification before being let in. Educating people about what constitutes sexual assault and providing resources to support survivors can also be helpful.