What is sexual harassment? | Abuse and violence | ReachOut Australia

Sexual harassment can include someone:

• touching, grabbing or making other physical contact with you without your consent
• making comments to you that have a sexual meaning
• asking you for sex or sexual favours
• leering and staring at you
• displaying rude and offensive material so that you or others can see it
• making sexual gestures or suggestive body movements towards you
• cracking sexual jokes and comments around or to you
• questioning you about your sex life
• insulting you with sexual comments
• committing a criminal offence against you, such as making an obscene phone call, indecently exposing themselves or sexually assaulting you.

Understanding Sexual assault and consent | New Zealand Police

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is a term used to describe a range of sex crimes committed against a person. It is any unwanted or forced sex act or behaviour that has happened without a person’s consent.

Sexual assault may include:

• Rape (sexual intercourse without consent)
• Indecent assault (unwanted sexual touching)
• Acts of indecency (exposure)

Sexual assault is a violent crime and it is not always committed by strangers. Often the offender is known to the victim, and it can occur within relationships or marriage. It can be a terrifying experience that may have long term effects on the victim regardless of their age, gender, status, culture, ability or sexuality.