About sexual violence

Sexual violence is a broad term that describes any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. It has devastating impacts on the lives of survivors and their families and communities.

Any unwanted sexual contact is sexual violence. Sexual violence takes different forms and can include:

  • sexual abuse
  • sexual assault
  • rape
  • incest
  • sexual harassment
  • stalking
  • indecent or sexualized exposure
  • degrading sexual imagery
  • distributing intimate images or recordings
  • voyeurism
  • cyber harassment
  • trafficking
  • sexual exploitation

Who is affected by sexual violence

Sexual violence can and does happen to anyone. Sexual violence affects people of every age, gender, sexual orientation and cultural background.

In Canada, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 11 men report having experienced sexual violence at least once since the age of 15.

Young women, Indigenous women and women with disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing sexual violence.

Where it can happen

The majority of sexual assaults happen in private spaces like a residence or private home. Sexual assault can occur between spouses, common-law partners or other intimate partners. About 82% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the survivor, such as an:

  • acquaintance
  • dating partner
  • common-law partner or spouse

Signs of sexual violence

A survivor’s reaction to sexual violence can vary from one person to another. A person’s behaviour is not indicative of their experience.

  • Shock, fear, embarrassment and distress can all impair memory
  • Many survivors attempt to minimize or forget as a way of coping with trauma
  • Not all sexual assault causes a visible physical injury

Fewer than 1 in 10 survivors of sexual violence report the crime to the police. Many survivors do not report sexual violence because of social pressure or stigma. The number of false reports for sexual assault is very low, consistent with the rates of false reports for other crimes in Canada.

Facts about consent

Consent must be clear and unambiguous and should never be assumed or implied.

Silence is not consent

Silence or the absence of “no” does not mean someone has agreed to sexual activity.

Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated

A person cannot consent if they are unconscious or impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Consent cannot be forced

Consent can never be obtained through threats, pressure or coercion.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time

A person can change their mind and withdraw consent at any point.

Power imbalances make consent invalid

Consent is not valid when someone abuses a position of trust, power or authority.

Only the person involved can give consent

No one else can give consent on someone’s behalf. This includes a parent, partner, friend or family member.

Get help for yourself or someone else

If you are in danger, call 911 or your local police immediately.

If there is no immediate danger, and you are a victim or survivor of sexual violence, or if you’re worried about someone else, you can get help by telling someone you trust and connecting with resources such as:

If you think someone might be at risk of sexual violence, you can help by:

  • getting them to a safe space
  • asking the person directly if they need help or if they would like you to stay with them

If someone tells you about an incident that sounds like sexual assault, listen to them and believe them. It is important that they are in control of what happens next. You can offer them options and resources but allow them to make their own choices.

Connect with supports for victims and survivors of violence.

Hide your internet activity

If you are concerned that someone is trying to see where you have been online, there are steps you can take to stay safe.

Learn how to hide your internet activity.