Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact with another person, without her/his voluntary consent (e.g., kissing, sexual touching, oral sex, and/or vaginal or anal intercourse). Sexual assault is not about 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,
* injuries result in every instance of sexual assault.
In some cases, however, no physical violence is used, and no injuries occur. Someone may, instead, be pressured or threatened into participating in a sexual act that s/he doesn't want to do.
Sexual assault in any form, though, is against the law.
Consent:
In this context, "consent" is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Any consent that is obtained by coercion, intimidation, and/or threats is not considered to be 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 sort of sexual activity with an adult.
Furthermore, consent has NOT been provided under the following circumstances:
* someone other than the person in question gives consent (through words or conduct);
* the person is incapable of giving consent (e.g., is unconscious, impaired by alcohol or drugs, sleeping, heavily medicated, or has a disability);
* offender is (or was) abusing a position of power, trust, or authority (e.g., a parent, babysitter, teacher, coach, police office, doctor, member of the clergy);
* the person 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 person 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)
For information about the following, click on the EVENTS tab above:
"Moving Forward - From Survivor to Thriver" Conference for Clients of Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services (Wednesday May 22, 2013 @ Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville)
Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services "Annual General Meeting" (Wednesday June 12, 2013 @ 7:00 p.m. in Bracebridge)
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Remember to visit Muskoka/Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services on Facebook. Click on the "Sexual Assault Information" section of the RESOURCES AND LINKS tab above.
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To view a trailer for the film, "If Only ... Nat's Story" (about Natalie Novak, a 20-year-old Ryerson University student and Muskoka resident who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2006), see the "Violence-Against-Women Resources" section of the RESOURCES AND LINKS tab above.
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