Sexual abuse should always be treated seriously, yet there are times when it is uncertain whether or not sexual abuse happened. Victims may be unaware that they have been sexually abused since it can occur in various ways with varied degrees of intensity. It is critical to be informed of the many types of sexual assault, and if you ever encounter it, get guidance from a competent lawyer such as Matthew J. Tharney.
According to the CDC, one in every four males and one in every three women has suffered physical sexual violence. These figures are likely to be lower than the actual number of victims since sexual abuse is underreported, and they only cover one of the five categories of sexual abuse: physical sexual violence.
Covert
Sexual abuse can occur without your knowing. This involves being watched, followed, and photographed, as well as social media stalking and sexual cyber-harassment. This type of abuse is distinguished by the perpetrator’s attempts to obtain sexual gratification from the victim without the victim’s awareness.
Verbal
The use of words written or spoken to suggest, communicate, or imply sexual content is referred to as verbal sexual abuse. Verbal sexual abuse is common and can occur in social settings, at work, or at home. Crude humor is routinely allowed in our culture, despite the fact that it does tremendous harm. It can be tough to deal with since we may detect a violation but are afraid of the social or relational consequences of speaking up. Sexual jokes, teasing about physical attributes, name-calling, explicit sexual descriptions, remarks on physical growth, unwelcome romantic approaches, solicitation, sexting, and stalking through texts or phone calls are all instances of verbal sexual abuse.
Visual
Sexually charged or sexually explicit pictures abound in our culture. Visually exposing oneself to unwelcome sexual content is sexual abuse. Unwanted or unsolicited exposure to sexually explicit photos, sexting or airdropping, flashing or exhibitionism, nudity or improper attire at home, and performing sexual actions in the presence of a non-consenting individual are all forms of Visual Sexual Abuse.
Physical
Non-consensual touching, fondling, physical constraint, cornering, tickling, kissing, excessive washing of genitals, sodomy, enemas, licking, intercourse, oral sex, brushing up against, urinating on, breach of privacy, stalking are all examples of physical sexual abuse. Power differentials heavily impact the possibility of sexual abuse. Therefore, stating “Fine, okay.” or not expressing “No” does not imply that sexual contact was consensual. This is because behaviors can be compelled without expressing a danger or potential consequence.
Ritualistic
Ritualistic sexual assault is defined as sexual abuse combined with spirituality or ritual. In certain situations of ritualistic sexual abuse, offenders promote or seek to justify their behavior to the victim as an act of penance or devotion. Child marriage, genital mutilation, incest rituals, and incantations or chanting during abuse are all examples of this abuse.
