What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse can be:

• Rape.
• Sexual harassment.
• Unwanted touching or kissing.
• Exposing the genitals.
• Being watched without your consent while you are naked or doing sexual activities.
• Posting sexual material to the Internet without your consent.
• Forcing you to watch or participate in pornography.
• Involuntary sexual activities involving violence and pain.
• Adding drugs to your drinks or using drugs or alcohol to weaken your ability to make decisions about sexual activities or sexual behaviour.
• Having sex with you when you are asleep or whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or other intoxicants.
• Telling you suggestive jokes, stories or showing you sexual material.
• ‘Soliciting’ a child or a vulnerable person to engage in any kind of sexual activity.
• Any sexual interaction with a child.

Did you know that …

… you can experience rape even in your relationship or marriage?

How is it possible?

For example, your partner and you are getting ready to sleep. Your partner wants to make love with you but you say no. They list various reasons why you should take part in sexual activity and aim to make you feel guilty. You don’t want to do it and you are clearly saying no; however, they continue without your consent. This is called rape.
There must always be consent for sexual activity. Consent needs to be continually given throughout the whole of your relationship.