What Is Sexual Abuse?

Within this DSVA Strategy, sexual abuse is defined as: any behaviour (physical, psychological, verbal, virtual/online) perceived to be of a sexual nature which is controlling, coercive, exploitative, harmful, or unwanted that is inflicted on anyone (irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any form of disability)

Sexual abuse can occur in intimate partner relationships, that is, with a current or former partner. It may also happen within families and could involve immediate family members, such as parents, children, or others, such as grandparents or grandchildren. It can also involve colleagues or friends, or may be carried out by strangers. The majority of sexual abuse is committed by someone whom the victim knows or trusts, rather than by a stranger.

Sexual abuse within relationships

There can be close linkages between domestic and/or sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can take place in relationships, including where people are or have been married. It can be used, along with coercive control, to humiliate and gain power and control over another person. This may take the form of explicit abuse or a threat that something will happen. It is important that people recognise that sexual abuse can take place in a relationship, that they are never to blame and that they know where to get help. Being in a relationship does not mean that another person has control over your body. That autonomy rests with you.

Trauma response to sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is trauma and as such it initiates a traumatic response like a fight, freeze or flop response. Any individual person is likely to respond differently, and there is no predictable textbook response, nor is any response more right or wrong or acceptable than any other. Just because someone did not scream, try to run away or fight back does not lessen what has happened. For many people it can be a number of years before they report sexual abuse; for some people, they may never tell anyone.

Forms of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can take place across many different relationships, between strangers and acquaintances and in various locations. It may or may not involve someone that the victim is close to.

Contact sexual abuse

• Sexual abuse may include where there is direct physical contact.
• This includes rape, physical sexual assault, being touched or being made to touch someone else where this is unwanted.
• It can also include being forced or coerced to take part in sexual activities that you are not comfortable with or that are unwanted.

Non-contact sexual abuse

• Sexual abuse can still occur even where there has been no direct physical contact. • There do not have to be any visible injuries.
• This can take a wide variety of forms and can occur in person, online or over the phone. • It may involve being made to take sexual photos, look at sexual images or watch sexual activity that the victim has not agreed to.
• Individuals may not necessarily be aware that abuse has occurred, for example, In the form or up-skirting or down-blousing.

Sexual abuse can take many forms

It can include, but is not limited to:

• penetrative sexual activities such as rape (vaginal, anal or oral), including attempted penetration;
• sexual assault, such as intentional touching, rubbing or groping;
• being made to perform masturbation on oneself or on someone else without consent;
• sexual threats or harassment, including unwanted sexual advances;
• indecent exposure or cyber flashing;
• sexual activity that the victim has not or cannot consent to (including where a drink has been spiked);
• stalking (both physically and digitally);
• grooming (including via the internet);
• being made to look at/be involved in the production of sexual images and abusive material;
• virtual abuse, including use of any technological mediums;
• being made to watch sexual activities (including pornography); and
• sexually exploiting someone for personal, commercial or financial gain (including sextortion).