What is Sexual Violence?
At Survivors to Superheroes, we talk a lot about sexual violence, sometimes in broad terms, but mostly as it impacts the lives of survivors. You may see terms throughout these pages, or elsewhere, that you would like to understand in more depth. Below, you will find some of the broad and important sexual violence terms along with dictionary definitions, our own definitions, legal definitions, and deeper discussions about the terminology that we use to discuss sexual violence.
Consent
S2S definition:
Consent is express permission for participating in any sexual act.
Rape
S2S definition:
Rape is any sexual penetration that takes place without consent.
Sexual Abuse
S2S definition:
Sexual contact with somebody who is unable to prevent or stop it.
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Sexual Assault
S2S definition:
A specific act of sexual violence.
Sexual Harassment
S2S definition:
Uninvited and unwelcome advances or behaviors of a sexual nature, either verbal or physical, and often, but not necessarily, perpetrated by somebody in authority or a position of power.
Sexual Violence
S2S definition:
All non consensual acts related to sex and sexuality.
Statutory Rape
S2S definition:
Statutory rape is sex between an adult and an individual below the legal age of consent.
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Search for the Legal Definition Related to Sexual Violence in Your State or Province