Sexual and Relationship Violence Definitions
Below you will find a list of definitions we have established to help sort through the terminology around sexual assault. Often terms are used interchangeably, sometimes creating confusion around the issue. If you have any questions about the language, please feel free to e-mail the office of Health Promotion and Wellness at hpw@depaul.edu.
Sex Offense:
Sex offense means any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. Sexual Offenses include, but are not limited to, rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, fondling or kissing without consent, incest, statutory rape, the threat of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature, that occurs without consent by all the individuals involved.
Sexual Assault:
Sexual assault means a forcible or non-forcible sex offense as classified by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting system. Sexual Assault is an example of a Sexual Offense.
Sexual Misconduct:
Sexual misconduct means taking sexual advantage of another person for the benefit of oneself or a third party when consent is not present. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual voyeurism or permitting others to witness or observe the sexual or intimate activity of another person; indecent or lewd exposure; recording any person engaged in sexual or intimate activity in a private space; distributing sexual or intimate information, images or recordings about another person; or inducing incapacitation in another person with the intent to engage in sexual conduct, regardless of whether prohibited sexual conduct actually occurs.
Domestic Violence:
Domestic violence means violence committed by a family or household member. A family or household member includes parents and children, current or former spouses, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim, and others as defined by Illinois law. Domestic violence can be a single event or a pattern of behavior.
Dating Violence:
Dating violence means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim (i.e. a relationship which is characterized by the expectation ofaffection or sexual involvement between the parties); and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of factors such as the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Dating violence can be a single event or a pattern of behavior.
Stalking:
Stalking means a course of conduct (i.e.two or more acts) directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or to suffer substantial emotional distress.
Sexual and relationship violence can occur in many different ways, including through physical force, intimidation, manipulation and coercion. This may include the voluntary or involuntary use of drugs and/or alcohol that renders an individual unable to give consent. Sexual and relationship violence can occur within personal relationships, including those that are intimate, professional, familial or friendly. In fact, sexual violence involving strangers constitutes only a small percentage of cases. Individuals of any sex, sexual orientation or gender identity may experience sexual or relationship violence. There is nothing a person can do to deserve or provoke sexual or relationship violence.