What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is a type of violence that can include sexual harassment, molestation/fondling, rape, and incest. It is a form of violence that can be broken down into a number of categories, like subtle and blatant forms and covert and overt sexual abuse. It can be found on a continuum of all forms of violence, it is its own continuum, and its parts can be broken down even further.

It is a type of violence that requires a feeling of entitlement, in which power and control follows – the sexual comments, innuendos, touching, action, etc are the weapons. In saying that, this type of violence is absolutely not about sex. We do acknowledge however, that though this is not about sex, i.e. loving sex, it does have a sexual element. It is an element that works to create confusion, rationalization, self-blame, and justification.

Sexual assault is a pervasive epidemic in all cultures. Types of sexual assault occurs in all culture systems; family units, institutions (prisons, nursing homes, etc.), prostitution, schools, workplace, relationships, religions, etc. Furthermore, it is supported and reinforced within these culture systems through sexist attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It effects everyone and no one, depending on a culture’s acknowledgement of the problem.

There is some hope in ending sexual violence or in the least reducing the number of incidences that occur. Community members are responsible for making this hope become a reality through educating themselves on sexual assault and becoming involved in true prevention efforts.