What is the definition of sexual violence?

• A. Sexual violence occurs worldwide, affects all genders and ages, and includes various forms of abuse.
• B. Sexual violence is limited to intimate partner relationships.
• C. Sexual violence refers only to rape.
• D. Sexual violence excludes minors.

Answer: (A)

Sexual violence is a broad range of coercive or non-consensual sexual acts or experiences rooted in power and control. It is a global issue that can affect anyone—across all genders and ages—and includes many forms of abuse beyond rape, such as coercive behavior, unwanted touching, harassment, exploitation, and trafficking. That wide scope is why the statement describing it as occurring worldwide, affecting all genders and ages, and encompassing various forms of abuse is the best definition. Narrow views—like it only happens in intimate relationships, or it only means rape, or that minors aren’t involved—miss important contexts and victims.