Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is physical or psychological abuse that involves sexual behavior. Most forms of sexual abuse are crimes in most countries. Forms of sexual abuse include rape, indecent assault and indecent exposure.

Women and children are the most frequent victims of sexual abuse, but men can also suffer from it. Most sexual abusers are male, but there is a significant minority of female sexual abusers.

Sexual abuse is non-consensual, and should be distinguished from consensual sex, or activities such as BDSM. Many activities which are acceptable between consenting partners would constitute sexual abuse if forced on a non-consenting person. It should be noted that people under the age of consent are held to be unable to give consent to any form of sexual activity.

Different cultures' approaches to sexual abuse

to be written

See also:

• Violence
• Spousal abuse
• Child sexual abuse
• Sex crime