Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault - refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.

Child sexual abuse - when a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually or by acts of neglect.

Intimate Partner Sexual Abuse - Sexual violence most often is perpetrated by someone a survivor knows and this includes intimate partner relationships. There are many different terms to refer to sexual violence that occurs within intimate partnerships, including: intimate partner sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner rape, marital rape, and spousal rape. No matter what term is used or how the relationship is defined it is never okay to engage in sexual activity without someone’s consent. 

Incest - sexual abuse perpetrated by a family member. The majority of victims of incest know the perpetrator and the biggest percentage are are family members.

Drug-facilitated Sexual Abuse - Drug-facilitated sexual assault occurs when alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual's ability to consent to sexual activity. These substances make it easier for a perpetrator to commit sexual assault because they inhibit a person’s ability to resist and can prevent them from remembering the assault.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault occurs in two ways: when the perpetrator takes advantage of a victim’s voluntary use of drugs or alcohol or when the perpetrator intentionally forces a victim to consume drugs without their knowledge. A perpetrator may intentionally drug a victim, resulting in a situation where it is easy to manipulate the circumstances and commit an assault. 

Some victims blame themselves for drinking too much at a party or putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to remember that if a sexual assault occurs under these circumstances, it is still not your fault. The blame falls on the perpetrator who took advantage of you.