Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any sexual act that is forced against someone’s will.

Examples:

• Completed sex act: Rape, Oral sex, Penetration (by hand or object), manipulation, coercion or use of force to get sex
• An attempted, but not completed sex act
• Abusive sexual contact: Intentionally touching, Some behavioral sexual harassment (grabbing or slapping someone’s butt)
• Non-contact sexual abuse: Voyeurism (watching), Exhibitionism (flashing), Forcing partner to watch pornography, Some sexual harassment (verbal or behavioral), Threats of sexual violence, Taking or posting nude photos

 

How does sexual abuse exert or maintain power and control?
Sexual abuse is never about sex or sexual gratification. It is about having power and dominance over another. Often times, a victim is made to feel like they “owe” their partner sex or that having a sexual relationship is expected in a romantic relationship. An abusive partner may threaten to break up with the victim if they do not meet their partners sexual “needs”.

Don’t forget, all of these forms overlap. Any type of sexual or physical abuse is going to be emotional abuse, and most types of sexual abuse are physical abuse as well. All of the forms of abuse affect how a person feels and thinks (about themselves, their role in the relationship, and relationships in general).

 

Read more about the methods of abuse.