What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual violence is common in abusive relationships. Any situation in which one is forced to participate in unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity is sexual abuse. Forced sex, even by a spouse or intimate partner with whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of aggression and violence. Women whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed.
You may be experiencing sexual abuse if your partner has or repeatedly does any of the following:
-
Force you to dress in a sexual way you’re uncomfortable with.
-
Insult you in sexual ways or call you explicit names.
-
Force or manipulate you into having sex or performing sexual acts, especially when you’re sick, tired, or physically injured from their abuse.
-
Choke you or restrain you during sex without your consent.
-
Hold you down during sex without your consent.
-
Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
-
Involve other people in your sexual activities against your will.
-
Ignore your feelings regarding sex.
-
Force you to watch or make pornography.
-
Intentionally give you or attempt to give you a sexually transmitted infection.