Types of Sexual Assault

Unfortunately, sexual violence can come in many forms. In order to better understand the wide range of personal violences that can occur, we have included definitions of different types of rape and sexual violence, as well as other kinds of violence that often arise hand-in-hand with sexual violence. Click on the title below to read more about each type of sexual violence. 

 

 Was I Raped/Sexually Assaulted?

Be aware: Some states use this term interchangeably with rape. For a precise legal definition, check the laws in your state.

 

 Incest

Incest is the type of sexual contact that occurs between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal (e.g., parents and children, uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews, etc.).

 

 Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual violence of children often includes incest as a subset of this form of sexual violence. While there is a substantial amount of overlap in the two types of violence, for the purposes of this website we have separated them in recognition of the different needs that victims of each type of violence may have.

 

 Child Abuse

Child abuse takes place when a child is harmed by someone else physically, psychologically, or by acts of neglect.

 

 Acquaintance Rape

Acquaintance assault involves coercive sexual activities that occur against a person's will by means of force, violence, duress, or fear of bodily injury. These sexual activities are imposed upon them by someone they know.

 

 Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault

This type of sexual assault involves the administration of an aesthetic type drug to reader a victim physically incapacitated or helpless and thus incapable of giving or withholding consent.

 

 Partner Rape

This type of rape is committed when an individual’s current partner (MARRIED OR NOT), previous partner or cohabiter has sex with the person without their consent.

 

 Male Sexual Assault

One of the forgotten things concerning rape is that there can also be male victims. This does not lessen the traumatic, psychological and physical effects of the crime. In fact, it can be seen to be worse as the victim could be embarrassed and afraid to talk about their feelings concerning the crime.

 

 Stranger Rape

3 major categories include Blitz Sexual Assault, Contact Sexual Assault, and Home Invasion Sexual Assault.

 

 Hate Crimes 

A hate crime is the victimization of an individual based on that individual's race, religion, national origin, ethnic identification, gender, or sexual orientation.

 

 Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence refers to the use of physical or emotional force or threat of physical force in close adult relationships. This includes violence perpetrated by a spouse, partner, son or daughter or any other person who has a close or blood relationship with the victim.

 

 Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment is behavior of a sexual nature that is designed to intimidate and control the victim. It can go on for some time or may just involve one incident.

 

 Stalking 

Stalking refers to behaviour in which an individual inflicts unwanted and repeated intrusions and communications upon another person, which would cause any reasonable person fear. It can cause great mental anguish and stress to the victim and their family. Stalking can lead to feelings of depression, self-doubt and paranoia.