What is sexual violence?

There are allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, and there are watercooler conversations about sexual violence.  Unfortunately I have heard so much inaccurate information, I feel compelled to point out a few facts about sexual violence - 

• Sexual violence is about power and control.  If you are focusing on the sexual element of it, you are missing the point
• Sexual violence is not just about rape.  It is a broad definition which differs from state to state, but is generally accepted to include the following.  And note that it includes unwanted sexual comments, attempting to remove someone’s clothing without consent, and exposure of genitalia:  

“Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work’
Coercion can encompass:
• varying degrees of force;
• psychological intimidation;
• blackmail; or
• threats (of physical harm or of not obtaining a job/grade etc.).
In addition, sexual violence may also take place when someone is not able to give consent – for instance, while intoxicated, drugged, asleep or mentally incapacitated (World Health Organization (WHO))”

• Amongst certain sections of society, there is a culture of ‘turning a blind eye’ to certain behaviour and language used against females and minorities. If you turn a blind eye to this behaviour, you are aiding and abetting sexual violence
• Men can be survivors of sexual violence as much as women can be perpetrators
• Even if just one person comes forward, and they have evidence to prove that another person engaged in sexual violence, that person is a perpetrator.  It only takes one incident to make that person a perpetrator
• No matter how long ago it happened, it is still sexual violence

Chris Warren-Dickins LPC

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