What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual Violence, also referred to as Sexual Assault, is any nonconsensual act. A sexual act is nonconsensual if it is inflicted upon a person unable to grant consent OR is unwanted and compelled through the use of physical force, manipulation, coercion, threats, or intimidation.

Why Does Sexual Violence Occur?

Much money and time has been spent trying to answer the question of why sexual violence occurs - and why it is so prevalent. Although the question seems a simple one, it is not easy to answer. To begin to understand the causes of sexual violence, it is important to have a sense of the historical context.

Rape has only been a "crime against the state" for a few generations. Early in the 20th century rape was considered a property crime; a rapist was expected to grant restitution to the man whose wife, sister or daughter had been damaged. It is only now being recognized as an issue for public concern - not simply a private matter.

What is clear is that the interest of society remains focused on victims of sexual violence and what they did or what they didn't do to cause this calamity to befall them. The message is clear: if "we" avoid making the same bad choices or judgments that "they" did, "we" (and our loved ones) will not be raped or sexually assaulted.

To really understand the dynamics of sexual violence, one needs to understand that it is offenders and their behaviors (NOT victims or their behaviors) that cause sexual violence to exist. And it is the lack of understanding or acceptance of this fact by our society that allows sexual violence to flourish.