Rape Rape refers to sexual intrusion or penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth, with any object, without consent. The term rape is sometimes used synonymously with sexual violence and sexual assault. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is generally used to describe the sexual assault of children or other instances of sexual assault perpetrated by a person in a position of trust or intimacy. A leading factor that contributes to women's vulnerability to sexual assault is the lack of adequate information, and a shallow understanding of the causes of sexual assault. Myths about sexual assault, allow the view that sexual assault is someone else's problem, rather than an issue that affects everyone.
Sexual assault is a community problem and a community responsibility.
Rape is not a sexually motivated act that happens to be forceful. For the survivor, it is a humiliating and often life-threatening situation. Regardless of age, race, economic background, or physical appearance, all women are vulnerable to sexual assault. Women as old as 96 years, and children as young as 6 months have been raped. There is no clearly defined group of women subject to attack.