The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sexual assault is a violent crime that involves power, aggression, and control. Rape and sexual assault are never the victim\/survivor\u2019s fault. Sexual assault can happen anywhere, anytime of day, to anyone regardless of age, class, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Force doesn\u2019t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family or other intimidation tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An individual who was sexually abused as a child is an adult survivor of child sexual abuse. This abuse may have had long-term effects on the survivor\u2019s life. In most instances, the victim of the abuse never discussed the abuse with others while it was occurring. This individual is learning now, as an adult, to deal with the effects of the abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an older adolescent or adult. It also involves the abuse of power that an adult has over a child. The sexual abuse may be used by the adult as a means of fulfilling his need to be powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n