Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

  • Any sexual activity where consent is absent or not freely given
  • Includes non-consensual sexual penetration: when an individual subjects another person to sexual penetration without the consent of the person, and/or by force
  • Includes non-consensual sexual contact: intentional sexual touching by an individual of the intimate area of another person (i.e., genitals, breasts, buttocks), or intentional sexual touching of another person with any of these body parts, without the consent of the person, and/or by force 
  • Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault regardless of gender, race, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, etc. 

Sexual Assault

  • Sexual assault is an act of violence
  • Sexual assault is about power and control, NOT about sex
  • Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows
  • Although most victims of sexual assault are women, it can and does happen to men