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Sexual Violence Continuum

Mutually Consenting Touch

This is a way to explore sexuality in a safe and caring manner. It is how people learn what feels good to them and how to do things like kiss and be intimate. They learn how to tell a partner what they do like and what they don't like. It works best when the two people like, trust, and care about each other.

Persuasion and Consent

This is when one person isn't sure about trying something...and the other person wants to. It is common for individuals to disagree, but they must be willing to take "no" for an answer. Individuals need to be able to reach a decision that both participants feel good about in a safe, non-threatening environment.

Sexual Coercion

This usually involves some kind of threat, such as:
"If you don't, I'll...

...find someone else who will."

...tell everyone you did anyway."

...break up with you."

...hurt you/your family/your friends."

Threats may be subtle or blatant, but they are all a type of force and intimidation.

Sexual Harassment

This includes pinching, grabbing, touching, staring, sexual joking or comments and can happen in the workplace, at school, or even at home. The behavior or words can feel like an attack because the victim doesn't have the chance or choice to say "yes" or "no."

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence can occur in many forms. It is any unwanted, coerced, or forced sexual touching. Sexual violence can happen to anyone and can be a one-off event or be on-going.

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