Knowra Sexual abuse Sexual abuse Sexual abuse is sexual activity imposed on someone without their freely given consent. It includes conduct involving force, coercion, exploitation, or a person unable to consent.
Consent : Consent is voluntary, informed, and specific agreement to an activity, which can be withdrawn at any time. Sexual abuse occurs when sexual activity lacks freely given agreement.
Sexual coercion : Sexual coercion is obtaining sexual activity through pressure, threats, manipulation, or misuse of authority. It describes a common route by which sexual activity is imposed without free agreement.
Psychological trauma : Psychological trauma is lasting distress or disruption following an event experienced as threatening or overwhelming. Sexual abuse can affect safety, relationships, mood, and daily functioning.
Safeguarding : Safeguarding is the policies and practices used to protect people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Safeguarding systems aim to prevent abuse and act on concerns.
Coercion : Coercion is the use of threats, pressure, or other constraints to make someone act against their wishes. Threats and pressure can remove the freedom required for sexual consent.
Child sexual abuse : Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity they cannot understand or consent to. Children cannot legally or developmentally consent to sexual activity with adults.
Post-traumatic stress disorder : Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition involving persistent symptoms after exposure to traumatic events. It can develop after sexual abuse, though many survivors do not develop it.
Mandatory reporting : Mandatory reporting is a legal duty requiring designated people to report suspected abuse or other specified harms. Reporting rules often apply when children or vulnerable adults may be at risk.
Sexual violence : Sexual violence is a broad category of sexual acts or attempts imposed through force, coercion, or lack of consent. Sexual abuse is one form of the wider category of sexual violence.
Incest : Incest is sexual activity between close relatives, often prohibited by law or social custom. Family relationships can create dependency and power imbalances that enable abuse.
Show all 24