Types of Sexual Violence

Sexual Assault

Any unwanted sexual act or behaviour that occurs without a person’s consent. This can include touching, attempted assault, or other actions that violate personal boundaries.

Rape

Sexual penetration carried out without consent. It is a serious criminal offence and can occur within relationships, families, or between strangers.

Child Sexual Abuse

Any sexual act imposed on a child or young person under the age of consent. This includes physical acts, exposure to sexual content, grooming, or exploitation.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual behaviour that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. This can include comments, gestures, requests, or inappropriate messages.

Indecent Assault

Non‑consensual sexual touching or behaviour that does not involve penetration but is still a criminal offence.

Sexual Coercion

Pressuring, manipulating, or forcing someone into sexual activity. Coercion can involve threats, guilt, intimidation, or misuse of power.

Grooming

A deliberate process where an offender builds trust with a child or vulnerable person to prepare them for sexual abuse. Grooming can occur online or in person.

Image‑Based Abuse

Sharing, threatening to share, or creating sexual images of a person without their consent. This includes “revenge porn,” deepfakes, or non‑consensual recording.

Sexual Exploitation

Taking advantage of a person for sexual purposes, often through manipulation, power imbalance, or financial control. This can include trafficking or transactional exploitation.

Incest

Sexual activity between family members who are legally or socially prohibited from such relationships. It is a form of child sexual abuse when minors are involved.

Technology‑Facilitated Sexual Violence

Sexual harm carried out through digital means, such as online grooming, cyberstalking, non‑consensual sharing of images, or coercive digital communication.