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African Female

What is your understanding of sexual assault?

Participant 1: Okay, so basically, sexual assault for me is - [...] I don't know how to put it. So, basically, if there is a guy, and let's say [...] I am not ready to do anything sexual with the guy. I would never put myself in a position where something like that would happen. If I am going to be in a enclosed space with the guy, I will be ready for anything to happen. Do you understand? So, sexual assaut for me would only be if I did not put myself in that enclosed environment. Maybe I was dragged [laughter] to an enclosed environment and then drugged. To me, that is sexual assault. But normally, if you touch me I am fine, hug me I am fine. As long as you don't touch sensitive parts in my body. You know? That is probably fine.
Facilitator: Okay. Particpant Two, what is your understanding of sexual assault?
Participant 2: Sexual assault is when you say "No." This is - "No, I am not ready." It means I am not ready. [...] And silence does not mean yes.

Recommendations

  • Ensure all sexual violence prevention and response education and training opportunities actively deconstruct victim-blaming, rape myths and gender norms. Ensure these sessions take an intersectional approach to understanding sexual violence and supporting victim/survivors.