Definitions of Assault

Rape: “Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim” (Quest, 2018, p. 315)

Gender-Based Violence: “Forms of violence in which women are the predominant victims and men are the predominant perpetrators; transgenders are also overrepresented among victims”  (Quest, 2018, p. 311)

Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual act prohibited by Federal, tribal, or state law, including when the victim lacks the capacity to consent. Any unwanted sexual contact—touching, kissing, intercourse. Any sexual contact when there is an inability to give consent. Includes, talking about sexual activities absent any language of consent. 

Domestic/Dating Violence: A pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that is a pervasive, life-threatening crime. It affects people in all our communities regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, social standing and immigration status.

Stalking: A series of actions that make you feel afraid or in danger. Staking is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time. Stalking behavior includes, but is not limited to: Following or spying on a person, Waiting at places in order to make unwanted contact with the victim, Or to monitor the victim, Leaving unwanted items and gifts for the victim, And posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.

Consent: Fries Acronym

  • Freely Given: Both partners have the freedom to say yes/no. Consent doesn’t involve any type of pressure, force, or manipulation.
  • Reversible: Anyone can change their mind at any time, even if you’re in the middle of the affection.
  • Informed: Both partners need to know what exactly they’re consenting to every single time.
  • Enthusiastic: Both partners should be excited and very much interested in what is happening. If they’re not, stop immediately.
  • Specific: Each individual affection requires consent each time, even if you’ve done it before.

Bystander: A bystander is someone who witnesses something problematic but just stands by, instead of taking action. The bystander effect is a phenomenon where the more people who witness a harmful situation, the less likely anyone is to do anything about it. We all assume someone else is going to act, but often, nobody does.