Understanding Sexual Violence

What is Sexual Violence?

Refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated (performed) against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. (Sexual Misconduct Policy, page 6)

What is Sexual Assault?

Is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault is sexual activity such as forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape. It includes sexual acts against people who are unable to consent either due to age, or lack of capacity.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/page/file/1249256/download

What is Dating Violence?

The term “dating violence” is violence and abuse committed by a person to exert power and control over a current or former dating partner. Dating violence often involves a pattern of escalating violence and abuse over some time. Dating violence covers a variety of actions and can include physical abuse, physiological and emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. It can also include “digital abuse”, the use of technology, such as smartphones, the internet, or social media to intimidate, harass, threaten or isolate a victim.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/page/file/1249256/download

What is Intimate Partner/Domestic Violence?

Is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that is used by a partner to maintain power and control over another current or former intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behavior that intimidates, manipulates, isolates frightens, terrorizes, coerces, threatens, hurts, injures, or wounds someone.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/page/file/1249256/download

What is Stalking?

The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking can escalate over time and can lead to domestic violence, sexual assault, and even homicide. Stalking can include frightening communications, direct or indirect threats, and harassing a victim through the internet.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/page/file/1249256/download