Rates of rape and other forms of sexual violence are difficult to assess. Prevalent measures are highly dependent on existing reporting mechanisms, and rape goes unreported more often than other types of crimes. It is therefore generally accepted that statistics tend to underestimate the true extent of the problem. This kind of violence can take many different forms. The following are definitions designed to help increase your awareness of sexual violence:
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual act, such as oral and/or anal penetration, which is forced by one or more persons upon another. In this curriculum, the term "sexual violence" is used interchangeably with sexual assault.
Rape
Forced sexual intercourse without consent. Force can be physical; stated or implied threats that cause fear of immediate death or physical injury to self or others; or immediate fear of being kidnapped. It is a violent crime, motivated by power and control, not sexual gratification. It has been defined as the "sexual expression of aggression, not an aggressive expression of sexual needs".
Stranger Rape
Forced or coerced sexual activities by a person or persons unknown to the victim.
Non-Stranger Rape (formerly known as the subtypes below):
Acquaintance Rape
Is often incorrectly viewed as a consensual sexual encounter gone awry, rather than an act of violence. However, by definition, acquaintance rape is forced, unwanted sexual activity with a person the victim knows or recognizes.
Date Rape
This is another term used to describe acquaintance rape. It is a violation of body and trust. It is an act of violence by someone a survivor has dated or has just met.
Partner Rape
Forced or coerced sexual activities with a dating or live-in relationship.
Marital Rape
Forced or coerced sexual activities within a marriage. In New York State, it is against the law for a husband to force or manipulate his wife into having sex. Marital rape is rarely reported to criminal justice authorities (Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, 1993) .
Gang Rape
Forced or coerced sexual activities by two or more persons, known or unknown to the victim.
Sexual Harassment
Any unwanted sexual behavior, either physical or verbal, which embarrasses, humiliates, or intimidates an individual.
Child Sexual Abuse
Any contact or non-contact sexual act imposed upon a child, which can result in emotional, physical or sexual trauma.
