SEXUAL ABUSE/RAPE: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF IT ALL

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Sexual abuse, Rape and Sexual violence

Sexual abuse can be explained as the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. [1] Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work is termed sexual violence. [2] Rape and sexual assault can be encapsulated under sexual violence.

The World Health Organisation [2