Sexual assault covers a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviours that are often used by offenders as a way to assert power and control over other people. There are many myths around what constitutes sexual assault, so find out the facts. Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, threatened or scared. It covers:
Rape: forced, unwanted sex or sexual acts.
Child sexual abuse: using power over a child to involve that child in sexual activity.
Indecent assault: indecent behaviour before, during or after an assault.
Sexual assault isn’t always about offenders getting pleasure from sex. It can also be about them enjoying asserting power and control over someone. Some offenders have been abused themselves, but this isn’t always the case. Sexual assault is a serious crime and is never the fault of the survivor.
The majority of perpetrators are someone known to the victim. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as in the case of intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape.
The term date rape is sometimes used to refer to acquaintance rape. Perpetrators of acquaintance rape might be a date, but they could also be a classmate, a neighbor, a friend’s significant other, or any number of different roles. It’s important to remember that dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.
In other instances the victim may not know the perpetrator at all. This type of sexual violence is sometimes referred to as stranger rape. Stranger rape can occur in several different ways:
Blitz sexual assault: when a perpetrator quickly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact, usually at night in a public place
Contact sexual assault: when a perpetrator contacts the victim and tries to gain their trust by flirting, luring the victim to their car, or otherwise trying to coerce the victim into a situation where the sexual assault will occur
Home invasion sexual assault: when a stranger breaks into the victim's home to commit the assault
Survivors of both stranger rape and acquaintance rape often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the perpetrator. It’s important to remember that the victim is never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s not something you have to live with on your own. Here are some things you can do straight away:
Ensure that you’re safe
Talk to someone
Get confidential help
Get medical help
Trust yourself
Know your legal rights
Remember: sexual assault is not your fault and no one has the right to touch you sexually without your permission.
