Sexual violence is any kind of unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature, that you did not consent to. You don’t have to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
Consent needs to be given freely and with full capacity to do so – this capacity is impaired/not present when drunk, under influence of drugs, asleep, unconscious, coerced. These factors can be particularly relevant to some of the students we support.
Consent needs to be given freely and with full capacity to do so – this capacity is impaired/not present when drunk, under influence of drugs, asleep, unconscious, coerced. These factors can be particularly relevant to some of the students we support.
It disproportionately affects female survivors and those with marginalised identities, with a majority of male perpetrators. It forms part of a continuum of gender-based violence and inequality.
However, anyone can survive or perpetrate domestic abuse and we are here to support members of the Bath Spa community who experience it, regardless of sex, gender and other identity characteristics.
Perpetrators may be known or unknown to the survivor, and can also be of any gender, sexuality, or other characteristic.
Sexual violence can happen anywhere and is not only something that happens on the street at the hand of strangers. The majority of sexual violence is perpetrated by someone known to the survivor, in their own home.
It is intended to or has the effect of:
- violating your dignity
- making you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- creating a hostile or offensive environment.
It does not always include physical contact or violence. Examples of sexual violence include:
- revenge porn
- sending emails with a sexual content
- making unwanted sexual comments or jokes
- physical behaviour including unwanted sexual advances or touching
- sexual abuse
- rape
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual touching that a person does not consent to. It involves all unwanted sexual contact including kissing, groping, rape and enforced sexual acts.
Anyone can be sexually assaulted, regardless of gender or sexuality. It does not matter if you have previously consented to sexual acts with that person, or with others. Whatever the circumstances, nobody has the right to force you to have sex or touch you without your consent. If this happens to you, it’s important to remember it’s not your fault.