Sexual violence is any unwanted or unpermitted sexual act or activity. This means something that takes place without consent. There is more information about consent below.
It includes (but is not limited to) the following, within or outside a sexual or romantic relationship, without consent (this includes where consent to sexual activity has been given then withdrawn, or if consent has been given on previous occasions):
- Sexual assault (any form of sexual violence or abuse that involves physical contact between the perpetrator and the victim or survivor.
- Rape
- Assault by penetration
- Sexual harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Cyber flashing
Rape Crisis has more information about the different types of sexual violence.
No-one ever deserves or asks for sexual violence to happen. 100% of the blame lies with the perpetrator or perpetrators. However, many of the myths surrounding sexual violence can make victims and survivors feel as though they are somehow to blame.
Sexual violence can be perpetrated by a stranger but it is much more often perpetrated by someone that the person knows or even trusts. For example, a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner.
The RCA has a webpage which explains how harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated at the RCA, and what action you can take if you experience or witness these unacceptable behaviours. The page includes links to staff and student policies and procedures.
What is consent
Consent is giving permission for something to happen, or agreeing by choice to do something, in possession of all the facts to make an informed choice. Consent also requires having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Examples of where someone is not free to make a choice around consent include where they are being subjected to force, intimidation, manipulation, undue influence, coercion or deception in order to gain their consent. Capacity is about whether someone is physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and to understand the consequences of that choice. For example, someone's capacity to consent may be impacted if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If someone is asleep or unconscious they cannot give consent. Certain cognitive or learning disabilities and mental health conditions can impact capacity to consent. The person seeking consent should always take steps to ensure that consent is freely given, that it is informed, and recognise that it can be withdrawn at any time. Consent given on a previous occasion does not count as consent, as this should be obtained on each occasion and be specific to the activity or situation.