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Types of Sexual Violence

Types of Sexual Violence

There are many forms of sexual violence. Learn more about types of sexual violence and how our attorneys may be able to help survivors of institutional sexual abuse pursue justice.

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Written by: Alexandra Stulpin
Last Updated: November 5, 2025

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Case Overview

The term “sexual violence” describes many forms of non-consensual sexual activity. Perpetrators of sexual violence, as well as the institution that supported the perpetrator, can be held legally responsible in criminal and civil courts. Survivors of sexual violence may be able to seek compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering and future medical expenses by pursuing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit.

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Key takeaways about types of sexual assault

  • Sexual violence is a term meant to describe various harmful sexual acts committed without a party’s consent. Examples of sexual violence include rape, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and childhood sexual abuse.
  • Perpetrators of sexual violence can face criminal charges for sexual assault. Survivors of sexual violence can also hold sexual abusers (and the institutions that failed to protect those harmed) liable for sexual abuse in civil court.
  • Motley Rice attorneys fight for survivors and families harmed by institutionalized sexual abuse. We can speak with you about legal options you may have for holding your abusers accountable.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a broad term used to describe a range of harmful non-consensual sexual acts. Examples of sexual violence include sexual harassment, rape, sexual exploitation and childhood sexual abuse. Sexual assault is the legal term used for sexual violence committed against individuals who don’t consent or who aren’t capable of consenting.

Sexual violence affects people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, age, race or income. It can happen in any number of settings, including at home (domestic violence), at institutions (like colleges and religious organizations) and online.

Someone is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States. You are not alone if you find yourself a part of this sobering statistic.

Common types of sexual violence

Sexual violence can take many forms, and no two survivors have the same experience. Some of the most widely recognized forms of sexual violence in both advocacy and legal settings include:

  • Adult sexual abuse
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Dating violence
  • Drug-facilitated sexual assault
  • Gender-based violence
  • Incest
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Online sexual abuse
  • Rape
  • Sex trafficking
  • Sexual abuse by medical professionals
  • Sexual abuse in law enforcement custody
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual violence against the disabled or elderly
  • Stalking

What does it mean to lack legal consent?

Consent is freely given, knowledgeable, and an informed agreement by a person with the capacity to make that decision. It’s not given if obtained through force, threat, coercion or manipulation. Importantly, a lack of resistance does not equal consent. Consent makes sure that everyone feels safe. It also builds trust and connection.

In some situations, an individual is legally unable to consent. A party may not be able to give legal consent if they are:

  • Developmentally or physically disabled
  • Impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Under the legal age to consent to sexual activity

Contact a sexual abuse litigation attorney

Motley Rice has experience advocating for survivors of sexual assault. We have helped clients throughout the country take legal action against the perpetrators of institutional sexual violence. These include schools and religious organizations. We are here to serve you with respect, compassion and dignity.

We know that speaking about sexual violence can be challenging, and coming forward can be difficult. Our attorneys will do everything possible to protect your identity and confidentiality. For more information, contact our team by filling out our online form or calling 1.800.768.4026.

Resources for survivors

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual violence, help is available. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides free, confidential and trauma-informed victim services to survivors nationwide. The organization supports survivors of all types of sexual violence and types of sexual trauma.

You can contact RAINN by calling 1-800-656-4673(HOPE) or through The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Our sexual abuse litigation experience

Motley Rice supports sexual abuse and assault survivors. Our law firm is committed to seeking justice for individuals and families harmed by adult sexual abuse and child sexual abuse.

We handle complex litigation involving institutionalized sexual violence.

This includes sexual abuse lawsuits against:

We work to hold abusers responsible and strive to inspire positive changes. Our representation is grounded in compassion. We collaborate with our clients and help them tell their stories. Contact us online or call 1.800.768.4026 to discuss your legal options.

Read more on our sexual abuse litigation experience.

Key takeaways

What is sexual violence?

Common types of sexual violence

Our sexual abuse litigation experience

About the Author

Attorney Alexandra A. Stulpin

Alexandra A. Stulpin

Associate

Alexandra Stulpin brings nearly a decade of experience litigating medical, human rights and sexual abuse cases in state and federal courts. She uses a trauma-informed approach throughout every stage of the litigation process when representing victims and survivors. Allie also lectures and presents nationally on issues involving institutional sexual abuse and assault litigation.

Sources
  1. Legal Information Institute. consent.
  2. National Center for Victims of Crime. Criminal and Civil Justice.
  3. National District Attorneys Association & National Crime Victim Law Institute. Sexual Assault Statutes in the United States.
  4. National Sexual Violence Resource Center. What Is Sexual Violence?
  5. RAINN. Facts & Statistics: The Scope of the Problem.
  6. RAINN. Help & Healing Consent 101: Respect, Boundaries, & Building Trust.
  7. RAINN. What “Counts” as Sexual Violence?
  8. University of California. FAQ: Understanding sexual violence and sexual assault.
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