What is Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that is committed without consent, by force, intimidation or coercion. Sexual violence can happen to anyone; it can be committed by a person of any gender and can occur between people of the same or different gender; it can be perpetrated by a stranger, but is most commonly perpetrated by someone known and even trusted, including a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner. Such behaviour may also constitute a criminal offence.
It can sometimes involve misuse of power or raise issues of unequal relationships.
Some examples of sexual misconduct are:
- sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent, or attempting to do so;
- touching inappropriately or kissing without consent
- grooming
- sexual harassment
- making sexual invitations or demands
- sharing private sexual material of another person
- name-calling or jokes about sex or gender.
Everyone has the right to say 'no' to sex, to withdraw or withhold their consent for any sexual act, on any occasion and under any circumstances, regardless of whether they've given consent to sex with that person in the past and regardless of whether they're in a relationship with the other person.
If you’ve experienced any form of sexual violence, whatever the circumstances, whenever it happened, it was not your fault. Support is available both on and off campus and you can access either or both to suit you.
Further information about definitions.
Further information about the support available for students affected by sexual violence.
What is Consent?
Consent is the agreement to participate in a sexual act where all individuals have both the freedom and capacity to make that decision.
Consent cannot be assumed on the basis of a previous sexual experience or previously given consent, and it can be withdrawn at any time.
Consent must be freely given and is not present when exploitation of power, coercion or force is used to impose submission of an unwilling participant. This includes harm or threats of harm.
An individual must have the capacity to consent. If an individual is asleep, unconscious, semi-conscious, or in a state of intermittent consciousness, they do not have the capacity to consent.
Incapacitation may also occur as the result of excessive alcohol or drug use. If there is any doubt as to your own or another’s capacity to consent, you should not engage in a sexual act.
This video provides a simple explanation of consent.
If you think you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted there are a variety of support options available.
Further information about the support available for students affected by sexual violence.