What Is Rape/Sexual Assault?
At the Rape Crisis Centre we use the terms 'rape' and 'sexual assault' interchangeably.
In the ACT Crimes Act Part IIIA Sexual Offences, sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse or attempted sexual intercourse without consent. Sexual intercourse includes the penetration, to any extent, of the vagina or anus of a person, or by an object. It also includes the introduction of any part of the penis of a person into the mouth of another person, or cunnilingus.
Indecent assault includes a range of sexual behaviours including for example someone touching your breasts, grabbing your bottom, or exposing themselves to you. There is also a law against stalking. From a very early age, women and children can experience a range of unwanted sexual behaviour and harassment- including intrusive stares, pinching, whistles and unwelcome body contact. Rape/sexual assault, is an extreme form of this kind of sexually abusive behaviour. Rape/sexual assault is a crime statistically proven to be overwhelmingly committed by men against women and children. Rape can also be a political act and is often used during war against women and children. It is also used in war as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Rape/sexual assault is not about passion or sexual desire. It is the use of power and control by one person over another person using sexual means. It is this use of power, to violate, humiliate or hurt another person, which gratifies the attacker. Most offenders are known to the survivors of sexual assault. They may be a member of the family, a boyfriend, a boss, an acquaintance or a neighbour. Some women may feel violated or abused by someone, even though the incident might not fit into the legal definition of sexual assault.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre encourages women to seek support and assistance if you feel violated or assaulted in any way, regardless of the legal definitions.
Page Last Updated 31/5/2001
© 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
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