Bodily autonomy is defined as the right to self governance over one’s own body without external influence or coercion. It is generally considered to be a fundamental human right. Bodily autonomy relates to the concept of affirmative consent, which requires full and eager participation in any sexual encounter. Bodily autonomy is also applicable to each…
Category: Sex and the Law
Sex Work
Sex work is defined as the “commercial exchange of sex for money or goods,” and sex workers are individuals who are employed in the sex industry.1 Sex work differs from sexual exploitation, or sex trafficking, in that sex workers are not forced into any act by coercion, violence, or deception. The broad category of sex work includes specific jobs…
Helping A Friend Experiencing Domestic Violence
Learning that a close friend or family member is experiencing violence at the hand of an intimate partner can be troubling and unsettling. If you would like to support your friend and help end the violent relationship, we recommend learning about the resources available to you friend and helping him or her make the best…
What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term “survivor” for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are most…
What Is Consent?
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article, we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are most…
Statutory Rape in America
What is Statutory Rape? Statutory rape is defined as sexual contact with a minor. Typically, statutory rape refers to a legal adult engaging in sexual activity someone under the age of consent. Statutory rape differs from other types of rape and child molestation because there is no requirement of force. Statutory rape can involve underage…
Male Sexual Assault
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article, we only use the term “survivor” for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and we believe each individual should be able to choose the language…
Sexual Abuse Indicators in Children
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term “victim” for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and we believe each individual person should choose the language that they…
Different Types of Sexual Assault
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are…