What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault is any form of unwanted sexual activity, including fondling, touching, and/or penetration that is forced upon another person without that person's consent. Both women and men can be sexually assaulted. Sexual Assault is against the law in Canada.

1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime.
Ontario Women's Directorate. 'Dispelling the Myths', 1995








Examples of Sexual Assault include:
  • Kissing or forcing you to kiss another person
  • Someone touching your genitals, thighs, breasts or elsewhere on your body (clothes on or off)
  • Forcing or coercing you to masturbate
  • Anal or vaginal penetration without your consent
  • Penetration using an object
  • Causing bodily harm or wounding you while sexually assaulting you
  • Removing or attempting to remove your clothing without your consent
  • Threatening to harm someone else or yourself if you do not agree to any of these things.


NO means NO. Not now means NO. I have a boy/girlfriend means NO. Maybe later means NO. $#@!!! Off means NO. You’re not my type means NO. Don’t touch me means NO. I really like you but…means NO. I’m not sure means NO. You’ve/I’ve been drinking means NO. Tears mean NO.

Silence means NO.

'No Means No' Campaign, Canadian Federation of Students















Consent is not given if:

  • It is given by someone else
  • The person is incapable of consenting (i.e. unconscious, drunk, stoned or sleeping).
  • It is an abuse of power, trust or authority
  • The person does not say ‘Yes’, says ‘No’, or through words or behavior implies ‘No’
  • The person changes his/her mind


69% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.   

Ontario Women's Directorate. 'Dispelling the Myths'. 1995.







Crucial 3 days:

Obtaining medical care after a sexual assault is an important option. You may have some injuries. You may be worried about getting a sexually transmitted disease or of becoming pregnant.

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres are located within a hospital and provide a team of nurses and doctors who are specially trained to care for people who have been sexually assaulted. There is a doctor and a nurse on call 24 hours a day to help individuals following a sexual assault. The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres provide: medical treatment; documentation should you consider now or in the future to inform the police; safety planning and risk assessment; social work/counselling services; referrals to services in your community; cultural interpretation services; and, follow-up services.

Click on this link to locate a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres near you. http://www.satcontario.com/ 


Other links relevant to sexual assault:

  • What is Coercion?
  • What is Sexual Harassment?
  • What assistance can the Community Safety Office provide?
  • Impacts of Sexual Assault