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Crimes of sexual
violence comprise any form of unwanted, unwelcome, forceful
or coercive sexual contact. These behaviors exist on
a continuum that include, but are not limited to: lewdness,
peer sexual harassment, sexual harassment, stalking,
sexual contact and sexual assault. Although sometimes
called by different names, the common threads that bind
these behaviors together are issues of violence, control,
power and entitlement.
Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless
of race, gender, sexual orientation, class or
profession. Although sexual violence is most frequently
perpetrated against a woman by a man, it can and does
occur between same sex partners, and also occurs by
women abusing men. These less reported instances of
sexual violence are being brought forth more and more.
No matter who is involved, it is important to understand
that sexual violence is not an act of sexual desire, but
one of power and control.
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