Physical acts (such as rape, attempted rape, sexual touching and sexual battery) perpetrated against an individual without consent or who does not have the capacity to give knowing consent due to alcohol, drugs or disability.
Examples of sexual violence:
- Any sexual activity performed in the absence of consent or through coercion
- Forced oral, anal, or vaginal sex with any body part or object
- Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
- Rape or attempted rape
- Keeping someone from protecting themselves from unwanted pregnancies or STIs
- Sexual contact with someone who is very drunk, drugged, unconscious or unable to give a clear and informed yes
- Threatening or pressuring someone into sexual activity
Common reactions:
Sexual assault can be one of the most painful and upsetting things that can happen in someone’s life. It is natural if your emotions frequently fluctuate. Here is a list of common feelings and reactions that survivors of sexual violence have reported:
- Wondering “why me?”
- Fear
- Anger or rage
- Numbness or emptiness
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping/change in sleeping habits
- Change in eating habits
- Disbelief
- Shame
- Betrayal
- Sense of loss
- Loss of control
- Nightmares
- Guilt
- Inability to concentrate
- Feelings of withdrawal
- Panic
- Reluctance to go to school/work
Resource: http://titleix.osu.edu/sidebar-resources/what-is-title-ix/definitions.html
