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Domestic Violence
Intimate partner/domestic violence happens when one person in a relationship tries to control how the other person thinks, feels, and acts. The person does this by repeatedly using abusive behaviors. Some abusive behavior is physical, such as hitting, pushing, slapping, or engaging in unwanted sexual activity. Some abusive behavior is emotional and verbal, such as put-downs, threats, undermining relationships with friends and family, using kids, or damaging the other person’s credit.
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence means that someone experiences sexual activity that she or he did not consent to or did not want. If someone is being threatened, intimidated, forced, or pressured into sexual activity, then it is sexual violence. Consent cannot be given if a person is underage, drunk, high, unconscious, or physically or mentally incapacitated. A person can change her or his mind about sexual activity at any time and withdraw consent. (Adapted from “What is Sexual Violence?” Fact Sheet from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2010)
Healthy Relationships
Each person defines healthy relationships and healthy sexuality differently based on one’s needs, hopes, and expectations. Here are some definitions to consider:
A connection between people that increases well-being, is mutually enjoyable, and enhances or maintains each individual’s positive self-concept.
Healthy Sexuality
Healthy sexuality is the capacity to understand, enjoy, and control one’s own sexual and reproductive behavior in a voluntary and responsible manner that enriches individuals and their lives. Sexuality is an integral part of the human experience with physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions. Healthy sexuality is often characterized by: communication, individuality, trust, understanding, respect, empathy, honesty, self-confidence, equality, mutual support, choice, and enjoyment.
