When assessing for sexual violence, what approach should be used?

When assessing for sexual violence, what approach should be used?

• A. A narrow definition
• B. A broad definition
• C. Only physical violence
• D. Only contact with minors

Answer: (B)

When assessing for sexual violence, use a broad, inclusive definition that captures the full range of harmful behaviors, not just physical acts. Sexual violence includes physical contact, but also coercion, threats, exploitation, and non-contact forms such as forced viewing of sexual material, unwanted sexual attention, harassment, and digital abuse, as well as acts that occur within power imbalances or trafficking. A narrow view can miss victims who experience pressure, manipulation, or non-physical coercion, leaving them without support. In practice, you’d screen for experiences across physical and non-physical domains, including coercive tactics and exploitative situations, using open, non-judgmental questions and a trauma-informed approach, while respecting safety, confidentiality, and applicable reporting requirements. The other options don’t fit because they omit significant forms of harm or restrict who can be affected.

When assessing for sexual violence, use a broad, inclusive definition that captures the full range of harmful behaviors, not just physical acts. Sexual violence includes physical contact, but also coercion, threats, exploitation, and non-contact forms such as forced viewing of sexual material, unwanted sexual attention, harassment, and digital abuse, as well as acts that occur within power imbalances or trafficking. A narrow view can miss victims who experience pressure, manipulation, or non-physical coercion, leaving them without support. In practice, you’d screen for experiences across physical and non-physical domains, including coercive tactics and exploitative situations, using open, non-judgmental questions and a trauma-informed approach, while respecting safety, confidentiality, and applicable reporting requirements. The other options don’t fit because they omit significant forms of harm or restrict who can be affected.