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WHAT IS CONSIDERED A SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Conventional & Non-Conventional Actions
Sometimes unwanted sexual experiences are clearly assaults. Other times, the harm is just as real — but the act may not appear as "conventional."
It’s important to understand the full range of what constitutes a sexual violation.
Legal definitions vary by region, but consent is universal.
CONVENTIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT ACTIONS
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Unwanted Sexual Touching of the victim's body using the perpetrator’s body or an object.
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Rape: Forcing someone to engage in sexual intercourse or penetration without consent.
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Attempted Rape: Even if penetration is not achieved, the attempt itself is considered assault.
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Indecent Exposure: Exposing one’s genitals to another person without their consent.
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Forced Engagement in Sexual Acts: Forcing someone to perform sexual acts on themselves or others.
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Inappropriate Fondling or Groping in a sexual manner, without consent.
✦ If you’ve experienced anything in this list — even once — your story is valid, and you are not alone. Explore quiet, confidential support here.
NON-CONVENTIONAL BUT STILL ASSAULTIVE
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Unwanted Sexual Advances: Persistent behavior or comments that make someone feel uncomfortable — even without physical contact.
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Manipulation or Gaslighting: Psychological control that undermines a person’s ability to clearly consent.
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Digital Harassment: Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without permission.
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Drug-Facilitated Assault: Using substances to impair a person’s ability to consent.
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Exploitation of Power: Using authority to pressure someone into sexual acts.
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Covert Filming or Photos: Taking intimate images without the person’s knowledge.
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Sexual Voyeurism: Watching someone’s private acts without their knowledge or consent.
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Coercion: Pressuring or guilting someone into sexual activity by exploiting emotional vulnerabilities.
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Stealthing: Removing a condom during sex without the partner’s consent — a violation of agreed-upon boundaries.
✦ If something felt off, but you couldn’t name it until now, that’s okay. Your nervous system noticed before your mind could. Request a trauma-informed review here.
WHEN IN DOUBT
If you have a bad feeling about a recent experience, or if you’re unsure whether what happened “counts” — it’s still worth talking to someone.
You can:
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Contact local law enforcement and describe the event
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Call a sexual assault crisis center for private support
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Reach out for a quiet energetic review with a skilled trauma facilitator
✦ You deserve to feel safe in your own story. If something doesn’t sit right, let’s explore it gently. Begin the process here.
I am not a licensed healthcare professional or attorney.
The above is educational and meant to support awareness — not to replace legal or medical counsel.