What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are many different kinds of sexual violence, including but not restricted to: rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within marriage / relationships, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking, sexual exploitation, and ritual abuse.
Sexual violence can be perpetrated by a complete stranger, or by someone known and even trusted, such as a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner. Sexual violence can happen to anyone. Anyone, of any gender or sexual orientation, can be subjected to sexual violence.
Sexual violence is a criminal offence and contrary to York St John University and York St John University Students’ Union joint policy statement on sexual misconduct.YSJU and YSJU Student`s Union Sexual Violence Policy Statement
What is Sexual Assault?
A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent. It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and sexual assault which involves penetration without consent.