Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually that they don’t want to do.

It can also refer to behaviour that impacts a person’s ability to control their sexual activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs, including oral sex, rape or restricting access to birth control and condoms.

• Unwanted kissing or touching
• Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
• Rape or attempted rape
• Refusing to use condoms or restricting someone’s access to birth control
• Keeping someone from protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Sexual contact with someone who is very drunk, drugged, unconscious or otherwise unable to give a clear and informed “yes” or “no”
• Threatening or pressuring someone into unwanted sexual activity

Keep in Mind

• Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually. Not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks” 
• Most victims of sexual assault know the assailant
• Both men and women can be victims of sexual abuse
• Both men and women can be perpetrators of sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse can occur in same-sex and opposite-sex relationships
• Sexual abuse can occur between two people who have been sexual with each other before, including people who are married or dating

What to Do

• If you have been sexually assaulted, first get to a safe place away from the attacker. You may be scared, angry and confused, but remember the abuse was in no way your fault. 
• You have options. 
• You can contact someone you trust. 
• Many people feel fear, guilt, anger, shame and/or shock after they have been sexually assaulted. Having someone there to support you as you deal with these emotions can make a big difference. 
• It may be helpful to speak with a professional or someone at a sexual assault support group.

Signs in Children and Adults

Changes in a child’s behaviour that need our attention can include: 

• The child acting in a sexual way with toys or object
• Suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems
• Becoming withdrawn or very clingy
• Personality changes or suddenly seeming insecure
• Regressing to younger behaviours, such as bedwetting
• Unaccountable fear of particular places or people
• Outbursts of anger
• Changes in eating habits
• Physical signs, such as unexplained soreness or bruises around private parts
• Becoming secretive
• Having unexplained gifts such as toys, money, mobile phone, expensive clothes.
• Pain, discoloration, bleeding or discharges in genitals, anus or mouth
• Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements
• Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training

These warning signs are not always obvious. But there may be cause for concern about the behaviour of an adult or other young person if they present the following:

• Loss of sleep
• Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
• Bruising
• Soreness around the genitals
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear
• A preoccupation with anything sexual
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy
• Indecent Assault