Sexual Violence Education

Defined by the CDC, contact sexual violence is "a combined measure that includes rape, being made to penetrate someone else, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact."

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An act in which a person is forced, coerced or threatened to engage in sexual contact or behavior or have it committed onto them without their consent.

As a form of sexual assault, this term is typically used in the legal system to refer to a crime where any sexual penetration is inflicted onto another person without their consent.

The use of pressure, guilt, tricks, threats, manipulation, power or authority, deception, intoxicants, to force a person to engage in sexual contact or behaviors without their consent.

The commercialization of sexual contact or behavior with another person(s) through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, (these components are not required in cases against minors).

Actual or attempted abuse of positions of vulnerability, power or trust, to force a person to engage in sexual activity, especially for monetary, social, economic or political advantages.

A pattern of unwanted sexual misconduct that may reasonably be expected or perceived to cause offense, humiliation, or harm, (i.e., sexual advances or requests, innuendos, offensive jokes, physical contact, inappropriate imagery, etc.).

A person who has experienced any form of sexual violence. A term of empowerment used to describe someone who is going through or has gone through the healing and recovery process following an assault. Not all who have experienced an assault use this term to identify themselves.

The person(s) responsible for committing the crime of sexual violence or physical attack against another person. Also referred to as the assailant, offender, suspect, etc.

The active and enthusiastic agreement to engage in sexual contact or behaviors with another person(s). Consent can be taken back at any point and must be freely and clearly given. Consent cannot be given by those who are underage, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or asleep or unconscious.

A pattern of harassing behaviors that would cause a reasonable person to fear injury or death, especially because of expressed or implied threats. When in violation of a restraining order, it is often considered aggravated stalking.

A pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner. There are multiple forms of domestic violence, included but not limited to, mental, physical, spiritual, sexual, financial, social, emotional, and verbal. (See Power and Control Wheel, pg. , to learn more).

The deliberate actions of an offender to gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with a vulnerable person, especially children, in secrecy in order to manipulate, exploit and abuse them.

A criminal action in which sexual relations occur with a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or other close relative. This can be a form of sexual abuse.