When we say ‘sexual violence’, we mean any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are many different kinds of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation, and others.
Sexual violence can be carried out by someone you know, trust, or even love, like a friend, colleague, family member, spouse, partner or ex, as well as by strangers. No matter who perpetrates sexual violence, it is 100% their fault and their responsibility; there is no excuse for it and no-one ever deserves it.