Part of being together, in a healthy relationship, is to make love together; explore each others’ bodies with respect and care. The opposite of this is sexual abuse where you are forced to do things against your will, make you uncomfortable, or where you are taken advantage of.
It is essential to realise that consent to sexual activities also exists in relationships; the fact you are together is not automatic consent. Consent needs to be given.
Examples of Sexual Abuse are:
- Being touched or kissed when you don’t want to be or in places, you do not want to be touched or kissed.
- Someone being rough or violent in sexual activity with you against your will.
- Someone ignoring your “No” while having sexual activity.
- Refusing to wear condoms or restricting birth control or tampering with condoms or birth control.
- Someone withholding if they have sexually transmitted infections.
- Having sexual contact when you are drunk, drugged, unconscious or otherwise unable to give a clear and informed “yes” or “no”.
- Being threatened or blackmailed into unwanted sexual activity.
- Being pressured or forced to have sex or perform sexual acts.
- Being sexually insulted; for example, your body or parts of your body being laughed at.
- Being degraded or exposed sexually.
If you feel you are affected by any of the above, do seek support! You are not alone and we are here to help, click here to get in touch.