Sexual+Violence

= Sexual Violence =

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I found that a lot of what I researched on sexual violence came from the perspective that women are the only victims of sexual violence. While women do experience sexual assault at a much high rate (reportedly - which does not account for all cases of sexual assault - and men report being victims of sexual assault at a lesser rate). So, I think it's really important to recognize that men also experience sexual violence.


 * Sexual assault is not limited to sexual intercourse** -it included psychological or emotional manipulation or threats which pressure someone into sex, as well as any form of unwanted touching. Most cases of sexual assault are committed by someone you know. Even someone you love. It gets confusing because some people think that they have the right to expect sex from another person, especially if that person has been friendly or has already agreed to some form of sexual contact, like kissing or touching. **But that's a dangerous assumption.**

=Definitions of Violence:=

Physical violence is the most commonly understood form of violence. It includes hitting, pushing, slapping, hair pulling, stabbing, mutilation or killing. All forms of physical violence are crimes under the Criminal Code. Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature. It can include anything from sexual exploitation, unwanted sexual touching, to rape, to injuring or endangering the life of the victim.
 * Physical violence**
 * Sexual assault**

Sexual violence violates a person's trust and feeling of safety. it occurs anytime a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. The continuum of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, and voyeurism.

Emotional abuse (also referred to as psychological or verbal abuse) includes insults, humiliation, yelling, put-downs, threats, harming pets or damaging property. Financial abuse (also referred to as economic abuse) includes stealing, and restricting access to money, employment opportunities or financial information.
 * Emotional abuse**
 * Financial abuse**

Protect yourself

 * Be aware of you surroundings
 * Avoid being in secluded areas with someone that you're still getting ti know
 * Keep in mind that drugs and alcohol affect your judgment
 * **Never leave a drink unattended**. Do not drink anything that has an unusual taste or color to it. A drink that is salty or soda that is flat could indicate that a drug has been slipped into it.
 * **Trust your instincts!** If you feel uncomfortable of a date, at a friend's house, or at a party, don't be afraid to leave

Speak Up

 * Don't be afraid to express your opinion if there is somewhere you don't want to go
 * Remember that others cannot read your mind - let someone know if you are uncomfortable. Make sure your message is clear.
 * Always have your own way home
 * Keep money on you for a cab or bus home.

Support a Friend
Everyone reacts to traumatic events in different ways. A person who has been assaulted may lash out at the people around them, cry constantly, be afraid to be alone, have difficulty eating and sleeping, or they may withdraw completely and refuse to talk about what has happened to them.
 * Let them know that, whatever happened, **it was not their fault**
 * Offer to listen whenever they need to talk
 * Listen without judging
 * Offer to find more/alternative information and resources
 * Encourage a friend to talk with a counselor, doctor, or another trusted adults.

Advice for Sexual Situations

 * If you're not sure how your date is feeling about having sex, **ASK**
 * If the response isn't clear, don't go any further
 * Be aware of your own body language and behavior - sometime we can be intimidating without realizing it
 * Keep in mind that drugs and alcohol can cloud judgment


 * Page created by Natasha Habte**