Sexual violence is what happens when someone does not consent to a sexual act. There are many different kinds of sexual violence from flashing and voyeurism to sexual assault and rape. It can happen to anyone – women, men, girls and boys – of every age, race, sexual orientation and religious background.

No one ever deserves or asks for it to happen.

No matter where you were, what you were doing, what you were wearing, what you were saying, if you were drunk or under the influence of drugs, you did not deserve this. The responsibility always lies with the attacker, not you.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual violence as:

‘Any sexual act,
attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances,
or acts to traffic or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality using
coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any
setting, including but not limited to home and work’.

Coercion can encompass:
• varying degrees of force.
• psychological intimidation.
• blackmail or
• threats (of physical harm or of not obtaining a job/grade etc.).

In addition, sexual violence may also take place when someone is not able to give
consent – for instance, while intoxicated, drugged, asleep or mentally incapacitated.
While the WHO definition is quite broad, narrower definitions also exist. For example,
for purposes of research, some definitions of sexual violence are limited to those acts
that involve force or the threat of physical violence.

The WHO defined sexual violence as acts through which a
woman or a man:
• was physically forced to have sexual intercourse when she/he did not want to
• had sexual intercourse when she did not want to, because she/he was afraid of what
her partner might do or
• was forced to do something sexual that she/he found degrading or humiliating.

Sexual violence or rape is an important public health burden affecting the sexual, reproductive and mental health of survivors. Mitigating the health impacts of this violence and providing access to health and other referral services is important. Comprehensive health care to be provided according to WHO guidelines includes provision of PEP within 72 hours of the rape, emergency contraception within 120 hours of the rape, STI prophylaxis and first line support or psychological first aid.

Research shows that women are more often attacked by someone they know and trust. This may be their boyfriend, husband or partner and can happen in the context of an intimate relationship. They may have been sexually abused as a child by an adult known to them. You can read more in WHO  report about sexual violence. 

Sexual Violence — CDC Definition

Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act that is committed or attempted by another person without freely given
consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse. It includes: forced or alcohol/
drug facilitated penetration of a victim; forced or alcohol/drug facilitated incidents in which the victim was made
to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else; nonphysically pressured unwanted penetration; intentional sexual
touching; or non-contact acts of a sexual nature. Sexual violence can also occur when a perpetrator forces or
coerces a victim to engage in sexual acts with a third party.
Sexual violence involves a lack of freely given consent as well as situations in which the victim is unable to
consent or refuse:
• Consent
Words or overt actions by a person who is legally or functionally competent to give informed approval,
indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.
• Inability to Consent
A freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact could not occur because of the
victim’s age, illness, mental or physical disability, being asleep or unconscious, or being too intoxicated
(e.g., incapacitation, lack of consciousness, or lack of awareness) through their voluntary or involuntary
use of alcohol or drugs.
• Inability to Refuse
Disagreement to engage in a sexual act was precluded because of the use or possession of guns or
other non-bodily weapons, or due to physical violence, threats of physical violence, intimidation or
pressure, or misuse of authority.
Sexual violence is divided into the following types:
• Completed or attempted forced penetration of a victim
• Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated penetration of a victim
• Completed or attempted forced acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone
else
• Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a
perpetrator or someone else
• Non-physically forced penetration which occurs after a person is pressured verbally or through
intimidation or misuse of authority to consent or acquiesce
• Unwanted sexual contact
• Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences

Sex violence victims

You always have the right to say no to sex, whether or not you have previously had consensual sex with someone.
after sexual violence
Take things at your own pace. There is no right or wrong about how long it can take to come to terms with something like this.

It can be hard to look after yourself when you are going through a traumatic time, but it is important to eat and sleep as well as you can. Everything can seem much harder to cope with when you are tired and run down.

You don’t have to cope alone.

Share your thoughts and feelings about your experience with a trusted friend or family member, partner or another survivor.

You can also speak in confidence to a rape crisis centre. Use the form included on all pages of this site to find a rape crisis centre near you.

Reporting to the police/legal authorities
It is up to you whether to report what has happened, immediately or some time – even years – later. If you decide to report to the police/legal authorities think about taking a friend or relative with you for support.

You can contact a rape crisis centre for help with reporting. You can see more in RAINNcom.

 

Sexual violence forms

Sexual violence is any type ofunwanted sexual contact. This can include words and actions of a sexual
nature.
Sexual violence can be committed without the knowledge of the person harmed. For example, several
factors can interfere with a person’s knowledge that sexual violence has been committed against them: age, cognitive disabilities, mental illness,
incapacitation due to drugs and/or alcohol, and others.
Some forms of sexual violence
may not be illegal, such as sexist and sexually violent jokes, street sexual harassment and catcalling but this does
not make them any less threatening or harmful to the person victimized.

There are many forms of sexual violence, including but not
limited to:

• Child sexual abuse
• Commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and
human trafficking
• Exposure and voyeurism
• Forced participation in the production or viewing of
pornography
• Incest
• Rape– whether the victim knows the perpetrator slightly,
casually, intimately, or not at all
• Ritual abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual or gender-based bullying, including cyber-bullying
The majority of sexual violence is committed by someone the
victim knows. They can include:
• Caregivers
• Classmates
• Family members
• Friends and neighbors
• Healthcare providers
• Members and leaders of faith communities
• Partners
• Teachers and coaches

More than half (51%) of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 41% by an acquaintance; for male victims, more than half (52%) reported being raped by an acquaintance and 15% by a stranger (Black et al., 2011).
Persons victimized by sexual violence can be any age or gender, but children and teens are at the highest risk. People
may experience more than one sexual assault during their lives. They may also face other forms of violence and social
struggles.

Sexual violence is sometimes covered up by institutions
or people in positions of authority. Sexual violence is sometimes ignored or allowed to continue even after it is
discovered by family members, friends, or other community members.

Oppression is a root cause of sexual violence. Sexual violence is tied to inequality.

People who commit sexual violence may target people who may have less perceived power in society due to factors such as (but not limited to):

• Age
• Disability
• Gender identity
• Immigration status
• Income
Sexual violence can occur in any setting, including but not
limited to:
• Political identity
• Race or ethnicity
• Religious or spiritual
beliefs
• Sexual orientation

Inequality can result in people having less access to information and resources. This can make it hard for a person to report sexual assault or get help.

Sexual violence affects everyone:

individuals, families, communities, and the larger society. Sexual violence
often impacts an individual’s education, employment and income, housing and shelter, and physical and mental health. Relationships with friends and family members may be
impacted.

Sexual violence can be prevented.

Community members can work to prevent sexual violence by establishing healthy
and positive relationships that are based on respect, safety,
and equality. Community members can play an active role in
stopping sexual violence before it occurs by becoming engaged
bystanders. Sexual violence affects us all; therefore, we are all a
part of the solution.

Teens’ experience with sexual violence

Sexual violence can happen at any age, but research has found
that young adults might be at higher risk.

Sexual violence and dating

During a large research online study, 45% of girls said they
know a friend or peer who has been pressured into having
either vaginal or oral sex (Futures Without Violence, 2010).

Technology and abuse

Pressure from a dating partner or even friends can be a reason
to send sexy images or messages – 51% of young women
who took a survey said they felt a lot of pressure from a guy
they liked or were dating to send sexual pictures or texts (The
National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
and CosmoGirl.com, 2008)

Small, but long-reaching, actions can create tremendous
change. We start the wheels of change when we do
something that interrupts or brings attention to something
people see as “normal” or accepted. People who commit
sexual violence rationalize their actions with belief in inequality
and oppressive attitudes and systems – changing these
attitudes and systems can begin to bring about an end to
sexual violence.

The term “sexual violence” is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse.

Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor.

Examples of health consequences of sexual violence and coercion for victims

Reproductive health
• Gynaecological trauma
• Unintended pregnancy
• Unsafe abortion
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sexually transmitted infections including HIV
• Traumatic fistulae

Mental health
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Sleep difficulties
• Somatic complaints
• Suicidal behaviour
• Panic disorder

Behavioural
• High-risk behavior (e.g. unprotected sexual intercourse, early
consensual sexual initiation, multiple partners, alcohol and
drug abuse)
• Higher risk of perpetrating (for men) or of experiencing
subsequent sexual violence (for women)
Fatal outcomes Death from:
• suicide
• pregnancy complications
• unsafe abortion
• AIDS
• murder during rape or for ‘honour’
• infanticide of a child born of rap

These effects aren’t always easy to deal with, but with the right help and support they can be managed. Learning more can help you find the best form of care to begin the healing process.

Self-Harm – Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on himself or herself, usually in secret.
Sexually Transmitted Infections – A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.
Substance Abuse – If you are concerned that you’re using substances in a way that could be harmful to your health or have concerns for someone you care about, consider learning more about the warning signs and places to find support.
Dissociation – Dissociation is one of the many defense mechanisms the brain can use to cope with the trauma of sexual violence.
Panic Attacks – A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear and anxiety that happens in situations when there may be no immediate danger. They tend to affect people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or high levels of stress.
Eating Disorders – Sexual violence can affect survivors in many ways, including perceptions of the body and feelings of control.
Pregnancy – If you were recently raped, you may have concerns about becoming pregnant from the attack.A
Sleep Disorders – Symptoms of sleep disorders can include trouble falling or staying asleep, sleeping at unusual times of day, or sleeping for longer or shorter than usual.
Suicide – Suicide is preventable and suicidal thoughts aren’t permanent. If you are thinking about suicide, there are resources to give you the support you need to get through this tough time.
Depression -Depression is a mood disorder that occurs when feelings associated with sadness and hopelessness continue for long periods of time and interrupt regular thought patterns. It can affect your behavior and your relationship with other people. Depression doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. In 2012, an estimated 16 million adults experienced depression, according to the NIH.

Depression:

It’s normal for sex victims to have feelings of sadness, unhappiness, and hopelessness. If these feelings persist for an extended period of time, it may be an indicator of depression. Depression is not a sign of weakness and it’s not something you should be expected to “snap out of.” It’s a serious mental health condition and survivors can often benefit from the help of a professional.

When should I get help?
You might have a difficult time coming forward about the possibility of depression because you think you’re just “feeling down.” If these feelings are interfering with your daily life, know that there is help available.

Where can I find help and learn more?
Learn more about depression from the National Institute of Mental Health or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

To find a mental health facility or program, you can use the Mental Health Treatment Locator function from the The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Find the center that is closest to you and best fits your needs.

Flashback

– A flashback is when memories of a past trauma feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. That means it’s possible to feel like the experience of sexual violence is happening all over again. During a flashback it can be difficult to connect with reality. It may even feel like the perpetrator is physically present.

Flashbacks may seem random at first. They can be triggered by fairly ordinary experiences connected with the senses, like the smell of someone’s odor or a particular tone of voice. It’s a normal response to this kind of trauma, and there are steps you can take to help manage the stress of a flashback.

What helps during a flashback?
If you realize that you are in the middle of a flashback, consider the following tips:

Tell yourself that you are having a flashback. Remind yourself that the actual event is over and that you survived.
Breathe. Take slow, deep breaths by placing your hand on your stomach and taking deep breaths. You should see your hand move out with the inhalations, and watch it fall in with the exhalations. When we panic, our body begins to take short, shallow breaths, and the decrease in oxygen can make you feel more panicked. Deep breathing is important because it increases the oxygen in your system and helps you move out of anxious state faster.
Return to the present by using the five senses.
Look around you. Make a list of the items in the room; count the colors or pieces of furniture around you. What do you see?
Breathe in a comforting scent, or focus on the smells around you. What do you smell?
Listen to the noises around you, or turn on music. What do you hear?
Eat or drink something you enjoy. Focus on the flavor. What do you taste?
Hold something cold, like a piece of ice, or hot, like a mug of tea. What does it feel like?
Recognize what would make you feel safer. Wrap yourself in a blanket, or go into a room by yourself and close the door. Do whatever it takes for you to feel secure.
How do I prevent flashbacks?
You may be able to take steps to prevent future flashbacks by identifying warning signs and triggers:

Be aware of the warning signs.
Flashbacks sometimes feel as though they come out of nowhere, but there are often early physical or emotional warning signs. These signs could include a change in mood, feeling pressure in your chest, or suddenly sweating. Becoming aware of the early signs of flashbacks may help you manage or prevent them.

Identify what experiences trigger your flashbacks.
Flashbacks can be triggered by a sensory feeling, an emotional memory, a reminder of the event, or even an unrelated stressful experience. Identify the experiences that trigger your flashbacks. If possible, make a plan on how to avoid these triggers or how to cope if you encounter the trigger.

Where can I get help?
There is a relief that comes with the end of a flashback, but that doesn’t mean it’s a one-time occurrence. Flashbacks can worsen over time if you don’t address them. They can also be an indicator of PTSD. Managing flashbacks isn’t easy work for anyone. Many survivors have found success working with a professional to identify triggers and develop tools to help them through flashbacks when they do occur.
It’s normal for survivors of sexual violence to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear.

If these feelings become severe, last more than a few weeks, or interrupt your day-to-day life, it might be a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can result from a traumatic event. You may have heard the term used in relation to the military, but it can apply to survivors of any type of trauma, including sexual violence. Survivors might experience uncharacteristic feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, and nervousness—and this is perfectly normal. With PTSD, these feelings are extreme, can cause you to feel constantly in danger, and make it difficult to function in everyday life.

While all survivors react differently, there are three main symptoms of PTSD:

Re-experiencing: feeling like you are reliving the event through flashbacks, dreams, or intrusive thoughts
Avoidance: intentionally or subconsciously changing your behavior to avoid scenarios associated with the event or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
Hyper-arousal: feeling “on edge” all of the time, having difficulty sleeping, being easily startled, or prone to sudden outbursts.

What are the root causes of and risk factors for sexual violence?

Understanding the factors associated with a higher risk of sexual violence
against women is complex, given the various forms that sexual violence can
take and the numerous contexts within which it occurs. The ecological model,
which proposes that violence is a result of factors operating at four levels:
individual, relationship, community and societal, is helpful in understanding
the interaction between factors and across levels.

Understanding the factors associated with a higher risk of sexual violence
against women is complex, given the various forms that sexual violence can
take and the numerous contexts within which it occurs. The ecological model,
which proposes that violence is a result of factors operating at four levels:
individual, relationship, community and societal, is helpful in understanding
the interaction between factors and across levels.

Conclusion

Sexual violence encompasses acts that range from verbal
harassment to forced penetration, and an array of types of coercion,
from social pressure and intimidation to physical force.

Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to:
rape within marriage or dating relationships
rape by strangers or acquaintances
unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment (at school, work etc.)
systematic rape, sexual slavery and other forms of violence, which are
particularly common in armed conflicts (e.g., forced impregnation);
sexual abuse of mentally or physically disabled people
rape and sexual abuse of children; and
‘customary’ forms of sexual violence, such as forced marriage or cohabitation
and wife inheritance.

How common is sexual violence?
The best quality prevalence data on sexual violence come from population-based surveys. Other sources of data on sexual violence include police reports
and studies from clinical settings and nongovernmental organizations; however,
because only a small proportion of cases are reported in these settings, they
produce underestimates of prevalence. For example, a Latin American study
estimated that only around 5% of adult victims of sexual violence reported the
incident to the police.
There are many logical reasons victims do not report sexual violence, including:
inadequate support systems
shame
fear or risk of retaliation
fear or risk of being blamed
fear or risk of not being believed
fear or risk of being mistreated and/or socially ostracized.

Sexual violence by intimate partners
Sexual violence by non-partners
Forced sexual initiation
Childhood sexual abuse
Sexual harassment and violence in schools and at work
Sexual violence against men and boys

While approaches in the past to sexual violence have largely focused on the
criminal justice system, there is a general movement towards a public health
approach, which recognizes that violence is not the result of any single factor
but is caused by multiple risk factors that interact at individual, relationship
and community/societal levels. Thus, addressing sexual violence requires
cooperation from diverse sectors, including health, education, welfare and
criminal justice. The public health approach aims to extend care and safety
to entire populations and focuses primarily on prevention, while ensuring
that people who experience violence have access to appropriate services and
support.D