In some cases violence may be part of the assault however in many cases violence will not be used, rather psychological threats, verbal threats, tricks or bribes may be used to make another take part in sexual activity. Violence does not have to be used to make it a crime. Sexual assault is an abuse of power. It is not for the benefit of the offenders sexual gratification. Rather, they get their gratification from having power over another person or child.
Sex is the weapon they choose to gain and underpin their power.
One in 3 girls will have experienced sexual assault by the age of 18. One in every 8 boys will also have experienced sexual assault by the age of 18. Sexual assault happens to both males and females. It happens to people of all ages and people of all nationalities. Sexual assault does happen - it is a crime and should not be kept a secret.