Sexual violence is any act (verbal or physical) which breaks a persons trust and/or safety and is sexual in nature. The term sexual violence includes: rape, incest, child sexual assault, marital rape, sexual harassment, exposure and voyeurism. Sexual violence and abuse is a crime commonly committed against women and children. It is an abuse of power and motivated by a need to control and harm. Sexual violence is a symptom of the male dominated culture we live in where women are displayed as sexual objects and the media accepts violence towards women.
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder information in the information for survivors section may also be of interest.
