Sexual Violence
/ˈsɛkʃuəl ˈvaɪələns/
Definitions
- (n.) Any act or attempted act of a sexual nature committed without consent, including rape, sexual assault, and molestation.
The defendant was charged with sexual violence for forcibly touching the victim.
- (n.) A category of gender-based violence distinguished by its sexual nature and legal consequences under criminal and human rights law.
International law recognizes sexual violence as a war crime and a violation of human rights.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Sexual violence is a broad legal term encompassing various non-consensual sexual acts; precise usage may vary by jurisdiction. Definitions often overlap with related offenses, so careful statutory reading is essential.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.