From Afrobeat singer D'Banj being accused of rape, to a list of alleged sex offenders doing the rounds on Twitter, sexual assault and its parameters has recently become a hot topic of conversation. The one thing that was made clear in a lot of these conversations is that many people, men and women, do not understand what sexual assault is and as a result, vehemently deny ever being a victim or perpetrator.
SaskiKnows compiled a list of all the acts that are classed as sexual assault in the UK under the Sexual Offences Act (2003).
TRIGGER WARNING!
Reading this list may trigger you to relive past trauma. The list may also make you realise that you have unknowingly been a victim of sexual assault in the past, which may cause you distress.
All these acts carried out by ANYONE (man, woman, familiar or stranger), WITHOUT CONSENT are classed as sexual assault:
• Stroking someone's thigh/knee.
• Kissing someone.
• Touching exposed areas of skin.
• Grinding against someone.
• 'Exposing' yourself.
• Stroking someone's thigh/knee.
• Kissing someone.
• Touching exposed areas of skin.
• Grinding against someone.
• 'Exposing' yourself.
• Touching someone sexually (generally classed as with intent depending on the situation).
• Holding someone to you, pressing your body against someone (depending on the situation and intent).
• Sending people's nudes to others.
• Sending nudes to minors.
• Touching somebody sexually (even a partner) whilst they’re asleep.
• Taking videos/pictures of sexual acts.
• Watching people performing sexual acts privately.
• Making sexual jokes or comments.
• Soliciting nudes.
• Catcalling.
Reading the sexual assault stories on Twitter has been incredibly heart breaking and I want to let all victims of sexual assault and/or abuse know that, no matter the circumstance, IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT.
Unfortunately, most, if not all, women have been victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives. It's great that these conversations are being had so we can all do some necessary learning and unlearning.
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