Understanding Sexual Violence
Before delving deeper into the complexities of sexual violence, it's important to fully grasp everything sexual violence encompasses. It is a serious public health and social issue that can affect people of any age or background.
It includes a wide range of unwanted sexual experiences that occur when a person does not or cannot freely consent. Education is a critical first step in prevention and support for survivors.
Most Importantly:
Sexual violence is NEVER the survivor's fault.
Risk factors are about understanding patterns and preventing violence. They are never an explanation for why a particular person was assaulted, and they NEVER place responsibility on the survivor.
Remember:
Sexual violence can happen to anyone. Knowing someone does not mean you consent to sexual activity. Consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time. Silence or lack of resistance does not automatically mean consent. A survivor is never responsible for someone else's decision to violate their boundaries. Support and education can help create safer, more respectful communities.
What counts as sexual violence?
The CDC describes sexual violence as a range of behaviors involving sexual activity when a person does not consent or cannot consent. It can include attempted or completed rape, unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, and unwanted non-contact experiences such as sexual harassment or certain forms of technology-facilitated abuse.
Consent is an important part of understanding sexual violence. Consent should be freely given, informed, specific, and ongoing. It cannot be assumed because of someone's clothing, relationship, previous experiences, flirting, or anything else.
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A person can change their mind at any time.
A person also cannot freely consent when they are unable to make an informed decision or communicate their choice.
Sexual violence can affect anyone. It can happen to children, teenagers, college students, and adults. It can also happen between people who know one another. A person responsible for sexual violence may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, dating partner, family member, caregiver, or another trusted person. Knowing someone does not make an experience less serious. Support and education are foundational to creating safer communities for everyone.
Who can be affected?
- Ages
- Genders
- Sexual orientations
- Racial and cultural backgrounds
- Abilities
- Socioeconomic backgrounds
- Relationship statuses
The Sexual Violence Spectrum
Sexual violence does not have to involve physical force to be serious. A person can change their mind at any time.
Non-contact Experiences
- Sexual harassment
- Unwanted sexual comments or communication
- Technology-facilitated sexual abuse
Pressure & Coercion
- Manipulation through guilt or threats
- Repeated pressuring after discomfort
- Abuse of power or authority
Unwanted Sexual Contact
Involves sexual touching or other sexual contact without freely given and informed consent.
Rape & Attempted Rape
Nonconsensual penetration or the attempt of such an act, which constitutes serious violence.
Factors That Can Increase Risk
There is no single cause of sexual violence. The CDC explains that risk can be influenced by a combination of factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Risk factors are characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing violence; they do not mean violence is inevitable, and they never place responsibility on the survivor.
Individual Factors
- Acceptance of aggressive or violent behavior
- Lack of empathy or concern for others
- Certain forms of aggressive or delinquent behavior
- Previous experiences of victimization or perpetration
- Certain attitudes toward gender and sexual entitlement
Relationship Factors
- Histories of conflict or violence within families
- Emotionally unsupportive environments
- Unhealthy or abusive relationships
- Peer groups that encourage aggressive or harmful behavior
Community Factors
- Lack of institutional support
- Community tolerance of sexual violence
- Weak consequences for harmful behavior
- Social and economic conditions that increase vulnerability
Societal Factors
- Social norms that excuse or normalize sexual violence
- Gender inequality
- Beliefs that promote sexual entitlement
- Policies or systems that fail to adequately address sexual violence