12.1 Types of sexual violence and abuse

Sexual violence encompasses various non-consensual acts, from rape to harassment. It's driven by power dynamics, not sexual desire. Understanding the types and motivations behind sexual violence is crucial for recognizing and preventing abuse.

Perpetrators often exploit power imbalances and societal factors that enable abuse. Recognizing physical and behavioral indicators in victims, as well as perpetrator tactics, is key to identifying and addressing sexual victimization. This knowledge empowers individuals to protect themselves and others.

Forms of sexual violence

Types of non-consensual sexual acts

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• Sexual violence is any sexual act committed against someone without their freely given consent
  • Can be physical, verbal, or psychological
• Rape is a form of sexual assault that involves penetration without consent
  • Includes vaginal, anal, or oral penetration by a body part or object
• Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact that stops short of rape or attempted rape (groping or fondling)
  • Occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient
• Other forms of sexual violence include:
  • Sexual coercion
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Unwanted sexual contact
  • Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences

Sexual harassment

• Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/physical harassment of a sexual nature
  • Often occurs in a work or school setting
• Two main forms of sexual harassment:
  • Quid pro quo harassment involves expressed or implied demands for sexual favors in exchange for some benefit (a promotion) or to avoid some detriment (termination)
  • Hostile environment harassment occurs when speech or conduct is severe and pervasive enough to create an intimidating or demeaning environment that negatively affects the victim

Types of sexual abuse

Abuse of minors

• Incest is sexual activity between family members or close relatives
  • Includes siblings, parents and children, or aunts/uncles with nephews/nieces
• Child molestation is sexual abuse of a child by an adult or older adolescent
  • May involve direct physical contact or non-contact acts (exposure or voyeurism)
  • Can cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm
• Sexual abuse of people with disabilities takes advantage of cognitive or physical impairments to coerce or force sexual acts
  • Perpetrators are often caregivers or others in a position of authority

Abuse in relationships

• Intimate partner sexual violence is any form of sexual violence committed by a current or former partner in an intimate relationship
  • Can occur in heterosexual or same-sex couples
  • Does not require sexual intimacy
• Acquaintance rape is a sex crime committed by someone known to the victim
  • Includes friends, classmates, relatives or co-workers
  • Contrasted with stranger rape
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault involves the perpetrator giving the victim drugs or alcohol to incapacitate them
  • Done in order to facilitate a sexual assault
  • Substances may be administered without the victim's knowledge

Power dynamics in sexual violence

Motivations of perpetrators

• Most sexual violence is motivated by the desire to assert power, control, and dominance over victims
  • Less about sexual desire itself
• Perpetrators exploit real or perceived power imbalances
  • Physical strength, age, authority, or socioeconomic status

Societal and cultural factors

• Patriarchal social structures that devalue women contribute to norms and attitudes enabling sexual violence
  • Toxic masculinity promotes male aggression and entitlement
• Rape culture describes an environment where sexual violence is normalized and victims are blamed
  • Perpetuated through misogynistic language, objectification of women's bodies, and glamorization of sexual violence in media
• Societal oppression and discrimination of marginalized groups increase vulnerability
  • Racism, ableism, homophobia, etc.
• Institutional and community protection of perpetrators allows sexual violence to go unchecked
  • Especially when perpetrators are in positions of prominence and authority (celebrities, politicians, clergy)

Recognizing sexual victimization

Physical and behavioral indicators in victims

• Physical signs of sexual abuse include:
  • Bruises or bleeding in genital areas
  • Bruises on other parts of the body
  • Difficulty walking or sitting
  • Torn/stained/bloody underclothing
  • Sexually transmitted infections
• Behavioral and emotional indicators in children include:
  • Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge/behaviors
  • Nightmares or bed-wetting
  • Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
  • Not wanting to be left alone with certain people
  • Running away from home
• In adults, indicators can include:
  • Depression, anxiety, or self-harming behaviors
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexually promiscuous behaviors
  • Problems with intimacy
  • Symptoms of PTSD

Perpetrator tactics and relational red flags

• Sexually abused children often exhibit a sudden reluctance to be around a certain adult
  • May start to avoid certain places or activities they previously enjoyed
• Grooming behaviors in abusers can include:
  • Giving special attention/gifts
  • Gradually isolating the victim
  • Progressively crossing physical boundaries
  • Introducing sexual topics/acts
• Intimate partner sexual violence is often part of a larger pattern of domestic abuse and coercive control
  • Signs can include a partner exhibiting extreme jealousy, limiting outside involvement, and making all decisions for the victim