What is sexual assault?

Sexual Assault is defined as both non-consensual sexual intercourse or any non-consensual sexual contact whether anal, oral, vaginal, above or below clothing, however slight, with any object by any person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, or identity, upon any other person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or identity , without consent. 

The person initiating the sexual contact must gain consent from the other person involved in the sexual act before any sexual activity takes place. Consent is clear, unambiguous, affirmative, and mutually understood permission and agreement for each level of increased intimacy from holding hands to intercourse.

What is relationship violence?

Violence in relationships is any pattern of behavior used to coerce, dominate, or isolate one’s intimate partner, ex-partner, or family member. It can involve physical, emotional, and /or sexual abuse. Relationship violence typically cycles; from a tension-building period (abused partner works harder to avoid escalation of conflict, anxiety increases), to an explosive period (physical, sexual, verbal
assaults), to a honeymoon period (violent partner apologizes, promises, never to do it again, showers the abused partner with affection). Because of the isolation, fear, and denial that often accompany an abusive relationship, it can be very difficult for an abused partner to leave a relationship.

What is sexual harassment?

In general, behavior is considered sexual harassment when:

• Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic success or
  

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individuals or
  

• The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or sexually offensive educational or work environment.