As defined by the University’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, sexual violence is “any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent.”
The scope of sexual violence is broad and includes a range of behaviours. For example, it can be physical in nature such as forced kissing or it can be non-physical, such as harassing someone because of their gender identity.
Sexual Violence can occur in any format including in writing, in person, by voice, and/or through the use of technology (“Tech-facilitated Sexual Violence”).
A defining feature of sexual violence is the absence of consent. This means that the behaviour has not been discussed or agreed to by all parties, and that there is at least one person in the situation who has not said yes, either verbally or through physical gestures and behaviour, to the act in question.
Consent is voluntary, clearly communicated, positive, active, and ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. Consenting to
one kind of sexual act does not mean that consent is given for another sexual act or kind of activity. Consent is NOT obtained where a person is incapable of consenting – for example due to intoxication, or where a person is induced to engage in the activity by someone abusing a position of trust, powe ror authority.
What constitutes sexual violence depends on the circumstances and there are many possible examples. For example, sexual violence can include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault (including assault by a partner or marital partner)
- Stalking
- Gender-based harassment
- Gender-based violence
- Sexual Exploitation
- Indecent exposure
- Inappropriate and unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature
- Degrading sexual imagery
- Voyeurism
- Stealthing (removing a condom without consent during sex)
- Tech-facilitated sexual violence
Supports & Resources
Contact the SVPS Centre
We’re here to help you understand, access and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, financial aid and legal aid. The Centre also works to end sexual violence on campus through training and education.
Explore the Policy on Sexual Violence & Harassment
Get help in understanding the U of T’s Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment as it relates to students impacted by or accused of sexual violence.
Learning Modules
To support our work in creating a campus environment free from sexual violence, we encourage all U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians to complete self-paced modules centred on consent, recognizing sexual violence, and responding supportively to disclosures.