A recent survey on date rape provides a strong indication of the range of potential male offenders. It's only sexual assault if physical violence or weapons are used. Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one person upon another. The Criminal Code definition of sexual assault includes a number of acts ranging from unwanted sexual touching, to sexual violence resulting in wounding, maiming or endangering the life of the victim. Unless she is physically harmed, a sexual assault victim will not suffer any long-term effects.
Sexual assault can have serious effects on women's health and well-being.
A recent survey of Canadian women found that nine out of ten incidents of violence against women have an emotional effect on the victim. Women who have been sexually assaulted feel anger, fear and can become more cautious and less trusting. Women cannot be sexually assaulted by their husbands or boyfriends. Under the law, women have the right to say no to any form of sex, even in a marriage or dating relationship. Although sexual assault within relationships has been illegal in Canada since 1983, few women report such incidents to police.