06/23/2026
💙 What’s the Difference? Understanding Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Abuse 💙
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they each have specific meanings. Understanding the differences can help us have informed conversations, support survivors, and work toward prevention.
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any s*xual activity that occurs without freely given consent. This can include s*xual assault, s*xual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of harm.
Sexual assault generally refers to s*xual acts committed without consent against an adult.
Sexual abuse often refers to s*xual acts involving a minor or situations where there is an ongoing pattern of exploitation, manipulation, or power imbalance.
At the heart of all of these forms of harm is one important principle: consent must be freely given, informed, and voluntary. If someone is unable to consent due to age, impairment, coercion, or force, any s*xual act is not consensual.
By educating ourselves and others, we can help create safer communities, support survivors, and challenge the attitudes that allow s*xual violence to occur.
If you or someone you know has experienced s*xual violence, Sexual Assault Services is here to help. Our services are free, confidential, and available to survivors of all ages.
📞 218-828-0494
🌐 www.sasmn.org
