Sexual assault is ANY form of sexual contact with another person, without her/his voluntary consent (e.g., forced kissing, fondling, oral sex, and/or vaginal or anal intercourse). Sexual assault is not a loss of control over sexual urges - it is an act of power and control.
Many people mistakenly think that:
rape (forced sexual intercourse) is the only type of sexual assault;
a violent attack is always part of a sexual assault; and/or,
that injuries result from every sexual assault incident.
In some cases, however, no physical violence is used, and no physical injuries occur; instead, someone may be threatened or pressured into doing something s/he doesn't want to do.
Sexual assault in in any form, however, is against the law
Consent:
In this context, "consent" is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Any consent that is obtained as a result of manipulation, threats, coercion, or intimidation is not considered voluntary.
Each person has the right to set her/his own sexual limits, and may refuse to participate in ANY type of sexual activity, at ANY time, for ANY reason.
A child cannot consent to any sexual activity with an adult. Furthermore, consent has NOT been given if:
someone other than the participant gives consent (through words or conduct);
the participant is incapable of giving consent (e.g., is unconscious, impaired by alcohol or drugs, sleeping, heavily medicated, or has a disability);
the person who committed the assault is (or was) abusing a position of power, trust, or authority (e.g., parent, babysitter, teacher, coach, police officer, doctor);
the participant says "NO", or implies through her/his words or body language, that s/he does not want to engage in sexual activity;
after previously consenting to engage in sexual activity, the participant changes her/his mind at any point prior to, or during, the sexual activity.
Sources:
Criminal Code of Canada (2008)
Ontario Women's Directorate (2007)
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Click on the "EVENTS" tab at the top of the page for information about:
"Sexual Assault Intervention for Living" workshop series for women - on healing from sexual abuse: beginning on Tuesday May 22, 2012 in Huntsville (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
"Moving Forward: From Surviving to Thriving" Conference for survivors of sexual abuse: Wednesday May 30, 2012, beginning at 9:15 a.m. (at Hidden Valley Inn, Huntsville)
Annual General Meeting: Wednesday June 13, 2012, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (in Parry Sound)
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Call the Women's Sexual Assault Help Line for
confidential support:
1-800-461-2929
