Sexualized violence
Sexualized violence is when someone uses sexualized words and actions as a way to humiliate you. This person disrespects your boundaries in order to feel more powerful. In Norway, sexualized violence is punishable by law.
Both men and women exercise sexualized violence. People affected by sexualized violence can be adults or children.
Sexualized violence has many forms:
- Someone talks to you using sexual words and wants to offend you with them.
- Someone touches you on your chest or buttocks, even though you do not want them to.
- Someone bothers you with sexual content on the phone, on the internet or in a text message.
- Someone shows you pornographic pictures or films against your will or without asking you first.
- Somebody forces you into sexual acts or wants you to watch sexual acts.
There are many other forms of sexualized violence. It is important to trust your feelings and take them seriously. No one is allowed to touch you sexually against your will or to commit any act of violence against you. You decide for yourself what you want and what you don't want.
Children can also be victims of sexualized violence.
People who experience sexualized violence often find it hard to seek help. They often feel ashamed or guilty. Getting help is a sign of strength. Everyone, no matter their gender or age, has a right to help. You can find information on counselling and help here. You can also get information about where to get help from dinutvei.no.
Reducing sexual offenses
In order to prevent sexual offenses, there is also help and counselling for people who have committed sexualized violence, or who fear that they could commit sexualized violence. People who have a strong desire to sexually humiliate others can get help before anything happens.
