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Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Most victims and perpetrators know each other. Immediate reactions to sexual abuse include shock, fear or disbelief. Long-term symptoms include anxiety, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder.Sexual assault is a crime as well as a trauma. Therefore, if the assault is acute, forensic examination should be offered. Collection of evidence does not mean the survivor then must follow through with prosecution, though it does then provide that option.
     Examples of sexual abuse include:
Sexual abuse can include lots of things like rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, online grooming and domestic abuse or violence.
It can also include sexual exploitation (being pressure into having sex with someone in return for getting something like money or drugs), sexting or child pornography.
being touched in a way you don't like without giving permission or consent
someone flashing or exposing themselves to you online or offline
being forced to have sex (intercourse), look at sexual pictures or videos, do something sexual or watch someone do something sexual.
   Sexual abuse can include lots of things like rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, online grooming and domestic abuse or violence.
It can also include sexual exploitation (being pressure into having sex with someone in return for getting something like money or drugs), sexting or child pornography.
being touched in a way you don't like without giving permission or consent
someone flashing or exposing themselves to you online or offline
being forced to have sex (intercourse), look at sexual pictures or videos, do something sexual or watch someone do something sexual.
6 facts about sexual abuse:
sexual abuse can happen to both girls and boys
someone could be sexually abused by a stranger, somebody you love and trust or a boyfriend or girlfriend
someone could be sexually abused by a person of the same sex
sexual abuse isn’t always ‘full sex’ – it can also include touching, kissing, oral sex or anything sexual
sexual abuse can happen online as well as offline
you're not alone and there are people who can help you.
    WHY SEXUAL ABUSE CAN HAPPEN
It's normal to want to know why it can or has happened. It’s nothing to do with who you are, or what you’ve said or done. Some people want to feel power and control.
They know what they’re doing is wrong. They might tell you to keep it a secret or try and make you believe that it’s okay.
    Sexual harassment is a type of bullying in a sexual way. It can happen anywhere, including at school, at home or at work. It can leave you feeling humiliated, embarrrassed, self-conscious and frightened.
Sexual harassment is when you're made to feel uncomfortable if somebody:
What is sexual harassment?
pinches or grabs your breasts and private parts
spreads sexual rumours about you
says inappropriate or sexual things about the way you look that make you feel uncomfortable
calls you names such as slut, tart, whore or manwhore
objectifies you by talking about your body parts
takes your clothes off when you don’t want them to
touches you in a way you don't like
forces you to kiss somebody or do something else sexually.
1. Ask them to stop
Let the person know that you don’t like what they are doing and you want it to stop. If you feel unsafe confronting them, don’t put yourself at risk. Tell someone else who can help.
2. Be Assertive
Find out about being assertive so you can say how you feel.
3. Support others
If you’ve noticed it’s happening to another person as well, you can try and support each other in reporting it.
4. Know your rights
Try not to nervously laugh, smile or ‘go along’ with the harassment. Try to send the message that it is not okay. Remember, you have the right to say no to any comments or touching that you don't like.
5. Keep a record
Note when and where the sexual harassment happens and who does it.
6. Report it
Tell a trusted adult such as a teacher. The school has a duty to take these reports seriously.
   Types of Sexual Harassment
Generally speaking, there are two types of sexual harassment, “quid pro quo” and hostile environment .
Quid pro quo (meaning “this for that”) sexual harassment occurs when it is stated or implied that an academic or employment decision about a student or employee depends upon whether the student or employee submits to
conduct of a sexual nature. Quid pro quo sexual harassment also occurs when it is stated or implied that an individual must submit to conduct of a sexual nature in order to participate in a University program or activity . So, for example, if an employee is made to believe that a promotion is likely if the employee goes on a date with the employee’s supervisor, the employee is possibly being subjected to “quid pro quo” sexual harassment.Hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive working or learning environment or is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a University program or activity. While a person engaging in harassing behavior most often has some form of power or authority over the person being harassed, that is not always the case. The harasser can be a peer of the person being harassed. Sometimes the harasser is harassing a person who has power over them. For example, a supervisee can sexually harass a supervisor or a student can sexually harass a faculty member
      Examples of Sexual Harassment
The following descriptions, while not all-inclusive, will help you understand the types of behavior that are considered “conduct of a sexual nature” and that, if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment:
Unwanted sexual statements: Sexual or “dirty” jokes, comments on physical attributes, spreading rumors about or rating others as to sexual activity or performance, talking about one’s sexual activity in front of others and displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures and/or written material. Unwanted sexual statements can be made in person, in writing, electronically (email, instant messaging, blogs, web pages, etc.) and otherwise.
Unwanted personal attention: Letters, telephone calls, visits, pressure for sexual favors, pressure for unnecessary personal interaction and pressure for dates where a sexual/romantic intent appears evident but remains unwanted.
Unwanted physical or sexual advances: Touching, hugging, kissing, fondling, touching oneself sexually for others to view, sexual assault, intercourse or other sexual activity.

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