About Sexualized Violence

Sexualized violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act (touching, verbal, and physical intimidation) directed against a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression, including use of coercion or under circumstances in which consent cannot be given (e.g. alcohol or drug intoxication), by any person regardless of their relationship to the individual in any setting.

Sexualized violence is part of a spectrum that may include sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual coercion, sexual cyber-bullying, stalking, indecent exposure, threats, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation.

Myths About Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is often misunderstood or misrepresented in popular culture. Myths include:

Sexual assault is always committed by a stranger.
If the victim did not fight back, it was not sexual assault.
Agreeing to kiss or participate in foreplay means agreement to have sexual intercourse.
If you let someone buy you dinner or pay for a movie or drinks, you owe that person sex.
"I was too drunk to know what I was doing; I can't be found guilty of sexual assault."