What is the difference between sexual abuse and sexual assault?
Both sexual abuse and sexual assault are forms of sexual violation, but they have some subtle yet significant differences.
Contents
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can take many forms, ranging from unwanted touching or molestation to more severe behavior, such as forced exploitation. It can occur at the hands of a relative, acquaintance, or complete stranger. Sexual abuse is a pattern of behavior where one person exercises power over another, often under the guise of a parental or caring relationship (Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center).
Here are some common forms of sexual abuse:
• Unwanted touching or fondling
• Forcing someone to watch explicit content
• Forcing someone to watch themselves being recorded or observed
• Exposure to unwanted explicit materials
• Invasion of personal space
• Use of coercion or threat to perform sexual acts
• Exposing oneself without consent
• Sharing confidential information without consent
In cases of sexual abuse, the perpetrator often has emotional or psychological manipulation over the victim, gaining their trust and using coercion to obtain sexual favors (Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault, also known as sexual battery or rape, refers to any form of penetration, however slight, made by the use of sexual organs, or any contact that is made with intimate parts, without the lawful consent of the victim or in violation of that law. Sexual assault is typically a violent crime, with the perpetrator having complete control over the outcome and often using force to accomplish their goal.
Types of sexual assault:
• Rape: forcing a person to penetrate their vagina, anus, or mouth with their tongue or a body part against their will
• Forced sodomy: forcing someone to engage in anal sex against their will
• Sexual coercion: forcing someone to perform oral sex or submit to unwanted sexual advances against their will
• Non-consensual touching: touching or fondling that is done without the recipient’s consent
In addition to physical force, other factors that can constitute sexual assault include:
• Being unconscious or incapacitated from drug or alcohol use or due to a medical condition
• Being in a state of mental or developmental disability that prevents giving voluntary consent
• Being mentally incompetent to give consent or understanding the nature of sexual contact
• Being intimidated, coerced, or forced to engage in unwanted sexual activities
Difference between Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault
While both are serious forms of sexual misconduct, there are key distinctions between sexual abuse and sexual assault:
• Pattern of behavior vs. Forceful penetration: Sexual abuse is often a pattern of behavior where the perpetrator repeatedly violates the victim’s privacy, consent, and control. Sexual assault, by contrast, typically involves single incidents of forceful or coercive penetration.
• Intentional targeting of a specific victim or population: Sexual abuse might occur between individuals with known or familial relationships, like between parents and children. Sexual assault, however, can involve any individual against their will, regardless of the relationship.
• Frequency and duration of abusive behavior: Sexual abuse is often chronic, with periods of repetition and escalation in intensity or severity. Sexual assault, whether acute or chronic, leaves long-term emotional scars
Important Considerations for Identification and Response
| Characteristic | Sexual Abuse | Sexual Assault |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern of Behavior | Common | Less typical |
| Forceful Coercion | Often accompanies abuse | Typically involves coercive force |
| Chronically Chronic | Typically observed in victims | Less reported as chronic |
| Public Response | Often dismissed | Considered a serious felony |
When responding to suspected sexual abuse or assault:
- Believe the victim/survivor
- Act swiftly and decisively with authorities and support services
- Focus on providing compassion and safety
- Uphold victim/survivor privacy and confidentiality
Conclusion
