Definitions
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is any unwanted contact of a sexual nature perpetrated on a person by others regardless of gender. Non-consensual physical contact can range from sexual touching to forced sexual intercourse. The gravity of the assault can be elevated by: having a position of trust or authority over the victim, the use of physical force, the use of a weapon, assault by more than one assailant at a time, physical wounding and bodily harm. If you are not sure whether it was a sexual assault, contact the Sexual Assault Centre and talk to a worker or refer to the Criminal Code of Canada.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood Sexual Abuse is an umbrella term which refers to a number of sexual offences perpetrated upon children. This can range from inappropriate sexual touching to sexual intercourse. It can occur between people of different genders or those of the same gender. For further clarification contact the sexual assault centre or refer to the Criminal Code of Canada.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any behaviour, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that could be considered objectionable or offensive.
Under the Ontario Human Rights code, sexual harassment includes: repeated sexual remarks or physical contact that are degrading; sexual advances or invitations made by a person who is in a position to grant or deny a benefit to another; and threats or reprisals against the person who rejected the sexual advance. Almost exclusively, it is men who sexually harass women although it can occur between people of the same gender.
Sexual harassment occurs not only in the workplace, but also on the street, at home, and in the classroom. The sexual harasser may be a supervisor, a co-worker, a landlord, a client, a customer, an acquaintance, a neighbour, or a stranger.
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