Español

Information and resources

Definitions

Sexual assault is a broad term that includes any sexual act or behaviour where someone has not given consent, or freely agreed. CASA House defines sexual assault as any form of sexual behaviour that is unwanted or makes a person feel:

uncomfortable
frightened
threatened
intimidated.

Read more about what sexual assault can include

Sexual assault can include unwanted touching, as well as rape. It can also include:

harassment
stalking
making inappropriate comments
stealthing - the intentional non-use, tampering or removal of a condom without permission or knowledge of the other people involved.
sharing of explicit photos without consent
making someone watch pornography without consent.

Sexual assault can have far reaching emotional, social, medical, political and legal consequences for victim survivors.

CASA House acknowledges that sexual assault is:

an act of violence even if no physical violence occurred.
a violation of human rights.
reinforced and driven by gender and structural inequality.
preventable.
the responsibility of our society as a whole, including governments.

More information and resources

Statistics about sexual assault in Australia

Information about consent

Other organisations for information and support

CASA House acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to, and care for, land and waters. We acknowledge this land was stolen, and that sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present.