Short definitions for terms used in our research pages and knowledge base. Each entry names the source so you can verify wording in the original material.
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as set out in the Sexual Offences Amendment Act this refers to any offence in terms of Chapters 2, 3
and 4 and sections 55 and 71 (1), (2) and (6) of the Act.
these are specialist and dedicated courts that only deal with sexual offences
Term used to describe a pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attractions. Sexual orientations can include, but are not limited to, heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, pansexual, polysexual, queer.
as set out in the Sexual Offences Amendment Act, this means any act which causes penetration
to any extent whatsoever by (a) the genital organs of one person into or beyond the genital organs, anus, or mouth of
another person; (b) any other part of the body of one person or, any object, including any part of the body of an animal,
into or beyond the genital organs or anus of another person; or (c) the genital organs of an animal, into or beyond the
mouth of another person, and ‘sexually penetrates’ has a corresponding meaning.
as set out in the Sexual Offences Amendment Act, ‘sexual violation’ includes any act which causes (a)
direct or indirect contact between the (i) genital organs or anus of one person or, in the case of a female, her breasts, and
any part of the body of another person or an animal, or any object, including any object resembling or representing the
genital organs or anus of a person or an animal; (ii) mouth of one person and (aa) the genital organs or anus of another
person or, in the case of a female, her breasts; (bb) the mouth of another person; (cc) any other part of the body of
another person, other than the genital organs or anus of that person or, in the case of a female, her breasts, which could
(aaa) be used in an act of sexual penetration; (bbb) cause sexual arousal or stimulation; or (ccc) be sexually aroused or
stimulated thereby; or (dd) any object resembling the genital organs or anus of a person, and in the case of a female, her
breasts, or an animal; or (iii) mouth of the complainant and the genital organs or anus of an animal; (b) the masturbation
of one person by another person; or (c) the insertion of any object resembling or representing the genital organs of a
person or animal, into or beyond the mouth of another person, but does not include an act of sexual penetration.
Sexual act without consent, attempt to obtain a sexual act, threat to obtain a sexual act, or unwanted sexual comments or advances, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim / survivor in any setting, including but not limited to home and work.
Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic a person’s sexuality, using coercion, threats of harm or physical force, by any person regardless of relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work.
- We use the term "sexuality", in its broadest sense, to talk about the way in which people test themselves as
sexual ‘subjects’, and the ways in which they describe this experience. If the term has been limited before to
aspects of formation of the person’s genetic, sexual behaviors, physiological, emotional and psychological
expressions, it’s now expanded to include cultural identity, and the symbols and representations related to sex.
Thus sexuality has become a domain of both the "private space" and "public space", at the same time. And by
virtue of being biologically based, i.e., sex is universal, yet specific to each social and cultural setting. Thus,
sexuality is a historical, cultural and social concept, which changes depending on place and time, making it a
variable rather than a constant. Hence, the meanings that people attach to their sexual behavior and
expressions related to this dimension are culturally constructed. (Beydoun, 2011).
STIs are infections passed primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal). Some can also spread through blood, pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Many STIs have no symptoms, so regular testing and protection are important.
an infec
- tion passed on or caught through sexual contact
Sibling sexual abuse involves sexual behaviour between siblings (or children raised in the same household) where there is coercion, a power imbalance, manipulation, or lack of consent. It is one of the least reported forms of abuse and can have long-term psychological effects, including shame, confusion, trauma, and difficulty trusting others.
Sibling sexual abuse is a specific form of child-on-child sexual abuse (COCSA). However, not all child-on-child sexual abuse happens between siblings; it can also occur between classmates, neighbours, or other children who are not related.
Unwritten rules that regulate acceptable behaviour in a group. Social norms define what is expected of people in society; they are both embedded in institutions and nested in people’s minds.
People and families having security in the face of vulnerabilities and contingencies, it is having access to health
care, and it is about working in safety (ILO, 2003). It is a set of public measures that a society provides for its
members to protect them against economic and social distress that would be caused by the absence or a
substantial reduction of income from work as a result of various contingencies (sickness, maternity,
employment injury, unemployment, invalidity, old age, and death of the breadwinner); the provision of health
care; and, the provision of benefits for families with children (ILO, 2000).
- A range of values and attitudes that accord a male child status over a female child. Thus, the female child is
disadvantaged in the quality and quantity of parental care and investment in her development. It may lead to
acute discrimination, especially in situations where resources are limited. While neglect is the rule, in some
cases son preference may lead to selective abortion or female infanticide (UNECA, 2008).
Using a person's religious or spiritual beliefs to manipulate, dominate or control them. It may also include preventing someone from engaging in spiritual or religious practices or ridiculing their beliefs.
Physical, sexual, financial, and/or psychological abuse that a [person] may experience at the hands of a current or former marital, common-law or same-sex partner. Spousal abuse may happen at any time during a relationship, including while it is breaking down, or after it has ended
Stalking is repeated unwanted behaviour directed at someone that causes fear, distress, or intimidation. It is not a one-time incident; it is ongoing and persistent.
Stalking can include following someone, repeatedly showing up at their home or workplace, sending constant messages, monitoring their movements, leaving unwanted gifts, or making threats. It can happen in person or online (cyberstalking).
In South Africa, stalking can be addressed through a protection or harassment order under the Protection from Harassment Act.
Repeated and unwanted attention that causes a person to fear for their personal safety or for the safety of someone they know and often involves a pattern of repeated behaviour as opposed to one occurrence. Stalking can take the form of actions that do not include overt threats of physical violence such as threats to divulge sensitive personal information and unwanted romantic advances that make the person feel unsafe. Stalking can encompass a range of behaviours, such as someone waiting outside a person’s home, school or work, physical or electronic surveillance, damage to property and various kinds of unwanted communication. Stalking can occur both in person and/or online.
the first piece of evidence that is
collected with regards to a crime; it should include
everything that the rape survivor tells the police of
the incident
the police officer in charge
of a police station