2. Sexual Assault
This a broad term that refers to any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim.
Remember! Sexual assault does not necessarily involve penetration. It can include both physical and non-physical acts, like forced sexuals threats or coercion. It may also encompass acts like forcing someone to undress or exposing oneself. (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, n.d.b.)
Unwanted Touching or Fondling is a non-consensual touching of any part of the body, especially private areas like the breasts, buttocks, or genitals.
“Someone touched my breast while pretending it was an accident..” (Touching)
“My face, hair, and any body parts was stroked in a sexualized way against my will.” (Fondling)
“Someone slipped their hand under my clothing without my permission.” (Fondling)
“I have been touched– in any part of my body– by another person inappropriately and uncomfortably at home, public or private vehicles, streets. schools/university, or office, etc.” (Non-consensual Groping)
“While standing in a crowded train, someone placed their hand on my thigh and refused to move it even after I shifted uncomfortably.” (Non-consensual Groping)
“During a team photo, a coworker placed their hand on my lower back, brushing too close to my buttocks.” (Non-consensual Groping)
“A classmate touched my arm and shoulder repeatedly despite me moving away and saying I was uncomfortable.” (Touching)
“During a casual conversation, someone touched my face without permission, saying it was a friendly gesture.” (Touching)
“While waiting in line, someone pinched my waist and said, ‘You’re so cute!’” (Pinching)
“During a team outing, a colleague pinched my cheek in a way that felt demeaning and invasive.” (Pinching)
“Someone grabbed my buttocks as I walked past them in a hallway.”
“In a jeepney, a passenger leaned over and touched my chest as they pretended to adjust their bag.” (Grabbing, or hitting someone’s private parts)
“While at a party, someone kept brushing their hip against mine in a crowded space, even though there was plenty of room to move.” (Brushing Up Against Someone’s Body Unnecessarily)
“A coworker repeatedly brushed against me while walking past my desk.” (Brushing Up Against Someone’s Body Unnecessarily)
“During a health check, the doctor touched my thigh unnecessarily and for longer than required for the examination.” (Unnecessary Touches During Physical Examinations)
“In PE class, the instructor adjusted my position by grabbing my hips in a way that felt inappropriate.” (Unnecessary Touches During Physical Examinations)
“A colleague hugged me tightly during a celebration despite me clearly saying I wasn’t comfortable.” (Embracing or Kissing Someone Against Their Will)
“At a family gathering, a distant relative tried to kiss me on the lips when I went to greet them.” (Embracing or Kissing Someone Against Their Will)
“While sitting in a crowded room, someone rubbed their knee against mine repeatedly despite my attempts to move away.” (Rubbing Against Someone)
“In a line at the mall, a person behind me kept pressing their body against mine unnecessarily.” (Rubbing Against Someone)
“During a crowded gathering, a person suddenly approached me from behind and started making abrupt ‘kaldag’ movements against my body without consent, simulating a thrusting motion.” (Sexual Gesture)
Forced Sexual Behavior