How Do You Know What’s Considered Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is a painful experience that impacts countless lives. Whether a physical act, verbal harassment, or digital exploitation. But how do you know what’s considered sexual abuse?

This form of misconduct can take several forms, and you will want to know what it looks like so you can respond to it.

Let’s take a closer look at what sexual abuse is, how to identify it, and how we can all play a role in preventing it.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse violates an individual’s autonomy, safety, or dignity in a sexual context. At its core, these actions are characterized by a lack of consent, exploitation, or coercion. There are a variety of ways that this abuse can occur, ranging from physical acts to verbal harassment or digital misconduct.

What Are Some Indicators of Sexual Abuse?

In almost all cases, there is a lack of consent. Any sexual activity that occurs without mutual consent constitutes sexual abuse. Additionally, consent must be ongoing. When someone feels uncomfortable, they can withdraw their consent at any time. Any continuation of activity beyond that point is a violation.

Even if someone does not say “no,” their inability to provide informed consent matters. In some situations, the person’s age, intoxication, cognitive impairments, or other factors makes any sexual activity abusive. For example, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, no matter their willingness, is considered abuse because minors lack the legal capacity to consent.

Power imbalances play a role in these situations. Perpetrators may use their authority, influence, or trust to exploit someone. This dynamic is seen in cases with parents, guardians, teachers, employers, or religious leaders. The abuse can involve subtle manipulation or overt coercion. Often, the person feels powerless to resist.

Another factor is coercion. This can involve:

• Threats
• Manipulation
• Intimidation to pressure someone into sexual acts

Force is another indicator of abuse. Often, this includes restraining the victim, making threats, or exploiting vulnerabilities to gain compliance.

Keep in mind that sexual abuse is not limited to physical acts. This can also include behaviors such as:

• Inappropriate touching
• Voyeurism
• Exposing oneself without consent
• Forcing someone to view explicit material

Any of these acts breach personal boundaries and can cause emotional and psychological harm to the victims.

Where Does Sexual Abuse Occur?

Sadly, sexual abuse can happen anywhere. It’s not confined to certain neighborhoods, demographics, or settings. Here are a few places where abuse often occurs:

• Domestic settings: Abuse by a family member, partner, or spouse often occurs behind closed doors. Usually, this makes it hard for victims to seek help.
• Workplaces: Sexual harassment and abuse in these environments may involve superiors or colleagues misusing their authority or trust.
• Schools and institutions: Teachers, coaches, and other authority figures can exploit their positions, especially when regularly interacting with minors.
• Digital platforms: Technology has created new avenues for abuse, including sharing explicit content without consent, grooming, or cyber harassment.

Sexual Abuse Impacts Victims

The after-effects of this abuse can affect victims for years to come. Many people will often feel shame, guilt, fear, and helplessness. Therapy and support groups are needed to help survivors process the traumatic experience. According to RAINN, approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe mental distress.

Along with that, mental health issues may develop. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions can arise after an attack.

But issues are not only emotional. Some may have to deal with physical consequences, such as injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or unwanted pregnancies.

Unfortunately, many survivors often withdraw from relationships and social activities due to fear, stigma, or mistrust.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is a Victim of Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you have options for seeking justice and protection.  

• Report the abuse: Reporting the incident to local authorities or organizations specializing in sexual abuse is a key step. Law enforcement can investigate the abuse. From there, taking legal action may prevent the perpetrator from harming others.
• Know your rights: Familiarizing yourself with your legal rights is essential. You may want to reach out to a lawyer who specializes in handling these cases. They can help you determine what steps to take for a potential legal claim.

Sexual abuse is a serious issue that violates an individual’s rights and dignity. Recognizing these indicators is the first step toward prevention and healing.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we understand the traumatic nature of these incidents. If you or a loved one has been affected, we are here to offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your situation.