Sexual Violence
Disclaimer:
This page includes written definitions of many words and experiences that can be traumatizing for some, and should be read with caution. These crimes are not to be taken lightly, and should be talked about with the utmost respect for victims.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual Violence is a form of violence and/or possible continued violence that is done by assaulting someone verbally, electronically, physically, mentally, etc. When talking about sexual violence we want to be clear that all sexual violence is terrifying for those experiencing it, and it is not our place to decide how someone should handle their assault. Sexual violence can occur regardless of relationship status, and consent is still needed continuously through any sexual activity to not turn into a manipulated sexual experience.
Disclaimer:
Sexual violence experiences are never smaller or bigger than another, and for each person will be different and handled in their own way. It's important that while reading this page you keep in mind the horrifying fear that people experience going through these crimes and how that can impact someone. Just because some forms of this harrassment are not fatal, do not negate the trauma that someone experiences.
Unwanted Sexual Advances:
Unwanted Sexual Advance are hard to categorize for some folks, but its important to us to acknowlegde that once your lack of consent has been communicated, there is nothing that should compel a person to continue to seek sexual advances with you. While we believe consent should be the forfront of all sexual advances, we know that is not always the case. Make if you ever ecounter something like this that you notify the other people around you of the consistent harrassment.
If you are at work notify your Human Resources Department or other trustable managers; and decide if you would be willing to return to your job in-person until it is properly handled.
Manipulation:
Manipulation of circumstances surronding someones actions can be a form of sexual violence that is often overlooked. Manipulation can look like refusing to wear a condom, or discussing recent STD testing results. Manipulation can look like discussing what you're wearing or how you present yourself as a reason for unconsenual sexual advances. Manipulation can also be how someone treats you at different times or differences phases of yourself. We want to make sure that we include manipulation as a form of sexual violence to call out how it assists in the other forms of sexual violence one may experience.
Molestation:
Molestation is a form of sexual violence where there is touching involved with the sexual harrasment, this can include penetration, but often includesthe following (but is not limited to): grabbing/slapping/touching someones butt, touching someone inapproriately in anyway, touching someones breasts, and touching someones penis. Often times predators will try to privatize and sexualize the environment by separating the molestation from the public. This form of sexual violence is often exeperience by minors, and should be discussed with parents once they are able to grasp that information.
Sexual Harassment:
Sexual Harrassment is a term for that can spread many different types of unwanted sexual advancements. These can be experienced with people around or not, and often go unnoticed because of the fear and inaccessbility to justice in these situations. If you are in an enviroment where an employee or Human Resources Dept. can help you we urge you to report any unwanted advances that constitute harrassment. If you believe your safety is at risk the best thing you can do is inform the people around you and talk with a police department or lawyer if you are comfortable doing so.
Rape:
Rape is an unconsenual sex activity, that typically includes "forced penetration" this can be with genitalia or other objects. Rape can occur to men, women, and nonbinary people; however, an overwhelming majority of this crime is commited against to people assigned female at birth. There is no reason to allow rape to go unnoticed or kept quiet; of course, we understand that reporting may not always be an option for people. We want to make sure that we consider rape and other sexual misconduct to be taken seriously and publically as to shed light on the often occurance of these crimes. *If you believe a rape has occured to you we urge you to talk to a person or entity that can support you and take action with you against your perpetrator.*
Stalking:
Stalking is a form of harrassment that includes following, inference, and typically a form of harm (mentally, physically, sexually, etc.). Stalking can also be done online, and in person. Sexual Harrassment often including stalking as well, which can be a beginning sign of a possible assault and should be taken seriously. We know that our police systems often aren't able to provide adequate protection for individuals affected by stalking. Stalking can also be done by the people we know: friends, family members, and community members. Contact a entity or police station that you trust if you believe you are in danger of stalking.
Sex Crimes Involving Children:
When it comes to sex crimes involving children, we should never have a joke or lack of seriousness on the topic. Many parents are in disbelief when they are first encountering the news of their child having been sexually assaulted. It can be hard for these conversations to be had, especially when the openness of discussing these topics was not already present. We urge all parents to begin talking to their children about their body parts as early as they can grasp it; from there we believe it's up to a parent (but is still vital) to decide how to explain different types of assualt to their children. Our children deserve to know everything there is to know the good and the bad, so that they can be better prepared to handle it as they experience life and grow. We know these conversations can be tough and for any parent who is or has experienced this heartbreaking crime with their child, we hope to only continue to provide more resources.
Cordisco and Saile LLC. has put together this guide dedicated to fostering awareness, education, and action towards the prevention of child abuse. In a world where the safety and well-being of our children should be paramount, it's crucial to engage in open discussions, share knowledge, and collectively work towards creating environments where every child can thrive. Here is the link: https://www.cordiscosaile.com/navigating-child-sex-abuse/
Also featured in our Difficult Conversations page
Sex Crimes Following the Overturn of Roe Vs. Wade:
Coming soon...