The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual violence as "any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, comment or suggestion of a sexual nature, or act intended to traffic or otherwise directed against a person's sexuality, committed by any person regardless of relationship to the victim, in any setting, including, but not limited to, the home and the workplace". Coercion includes the use of physical force (to varying degrees), psychological intimidation, blackmail and threats.
In other words, any act related to sexuality and carried out without a person's consent is considered sexual violence. This is also the case when the person assaulted is not able to refuse or show their disagreement (because they are drunk, drugged, asleep or mentally incapable of doing so).
Sexual violence does not necessarily involve physical contact: it can also be verbal (such as sexual harassment) or take other forms, such as forcing someone to pose naked or showing their genitals.
Sexual violence is a phenomenon that concerns everyone. Everyone can be confronted with it at some point in their lives, whether directly, by being a victim or perpetrator, or indirectly, by being a witness or knowing someone who is directly affected.
The majority of victims of sexual violence are women or people who identify themselves as such, but men can also be affected. Sexual violence against cisgender men is a very sensitive and taboo subject. Often they do not dare to talk about it, because they sometimes consider that these assaults affect their virility.
If you are not sure that it is a situation of sexual abuse, these questions will help you find out:
Each local care centre has a shelter that provides emergency housing. It is located in a discrete address to ensure the victims' safety. Victims find a safe place here to start their recovery process. After a short stay in the shelter, we can help find housing in a rental accommodation.
We provide social support to each victim based on their needs, to help them regain confidence and start building a new life. Depending on their situation, we will help with housing, medical care, education, employment, social welfare, mental health care, and any other aspect of the person's life.
We provide legal help to support each victim in their path to obtain justice and in their collaboration with the criminal justice system in the country.
We support victims to regularise their administrative status, to get through all the administrative steps needed to be in order in the country.
SECRET SERVICE
