More Information about Sexualized Violence:

What is sexualized violence?

What can I do if I have been assaulted?

Is it different if I am a guy?

How can I help a friend?

 

What is Sexualized violence?

Sexualized violence is anything that disrespects your sexual being. It covers a whole lot of different things: sexual assault, date rape, coercion, and sexual harassment . It can include physical, emotional, or mental abuse. It can happen to guys and girls. Click here for more of a definition of sexualized violence.

Sometimes it is hard to know what sexual violence is. The best way to figure it out is to trust your own feelings. If it feels wrong or bad, you can trust that. You have a right to get support and help.

Sexualized violence is about power and control. The person who commits sexual violence is not out for sex. They use sex as a way to have power over another person. The person who commits the assault is always 100% responsible.

No one asks to be sexually assaulted. No one deserves sexual assault.

It is important to remember if you have been sexually assaulted, it is not your fault.

…no matter what anyone else may have told you,

…no matter what you were wearing,

…no matter whether you fought back or didn’t fight back,

…no matter whether you were drunk or high,

…no matter whether you had been sexual with them before.

You have a right to sexuality without violence.

 

Sexual Assault is ANY SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITHOUT CONSENT.

It is a criminal act. A person who commits sexual assault can be charged and convicted by the police and courts.

Some examples of sexual assault are when:

Sexual assault includes "Date Rape". Date rape refers to when a person is sexually assaulted by a partner (boyfriend or girlfriend), friend or someone they have been dating. Even though it is called date rape, it includes any form of unwanted sexual activity. Some examples include;

Coersion or manipulation , sometimes called "head games", are what some people use to force someone to be sexual. Some examples of sexual coercion:

Sexual harassment is another form of sexualized violence. It is anything that makes a person feel uncomfortable and threatened. It is not joking or flirting. It can include

 

What can I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

You have a right to get help and support. You may have a lot of confusing feelings. Finding someone to talk to that knows about the effects of sexual assault can really help you in the healing process. Call your local sexual assault center to get support and information. (In Victoria, 383-3232, check your phone book if you live else where)

Some ways to take care of yourself if you have been assaulted:

Other things you might want to do:

Is it different for guys?

Basically, no . It isn’t different for guys. You may have heard that only females are sexually assaulted. The truth is that guys can be sexually assaulted as well. Males are assaulted both as children and as adults.

The effects of sexual assault on men are similar to the effects on women. But, there are some issues that guys specifically might worry about:

"I thought this only happened to girls"

"I was assaulted by a man. Does this mean I am gay?"

" I can’t tell anyone about this, they’ll think I’m weak"

" No one will believe me, because no one would believe a guy can be sexually assaulted by his girlfriend."

These are all false ideas based on gender stereotypes about males. Guys can be overpowered, manipulated, and coerced into being sexual against their will just the same as women. It is important to remember, it is not because you are some how weak, or less of a man.

No one asks to be assaulted.

No one deserves to be assaulted.

We all have a right to sexuality without violence.

If you are a guy and you have been sexually assaulted, it is important that you reach out for help. It is important to find a person that you trust to talk to . See the section on what to do if you have been assaulted for some ideas on what you can do.

For more information and support, call your local crisis line or sexual assault center (numbers in the front of the phone book)

If you live in Victoria, you can call the Women’s Sexual Assault Support and Information line at 383-3232. They provide support and information to men and women, and they will arrange someone to go to the hospital with you if you need medical attention.

How can I help a friend?