Recognise non-consensual sexual touching

Recognise indecent assault

Familiarise yourself with the actions and behaviours that are deemed "Non-consensual sexual touching". Some are more obvious than others.

Inappropriate, concerning, or threatening behaviours include any of those outlined below.

  • Sexual assault

    Sexual assault is any sexual acts without consent. It can include being forced, coerced, or tricked into an act or any unwanted behaviours.

    Learn more about sexual assault

  • Sexual harassment

    Harassment It is an unacceptable violation of your rights. Sexual harassment may also be a crime. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour that a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating or intimidating in the circumstances. The intention of the person doing the harassing is irrelevant.

    Learn more about harassment

  • Non-consensual sexual touching

    Non-consensual sexual touching is unwanted touching of a person's body by another person. For example, it can include kissing or inappropriate touching of a person's breasts, bottom or genitals.

  • Domestic and family violence

    Domestic and family violence is a crime as defined in the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act NSW 2007.

    Domestic and family violence occurs when there is violence, abuse, or bullying behaviour towards you by someone who has a close relationship with you. The behaviour or actions are intended to scare and control, and it can happen at home or outside the home.

    Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone regardless of culture, age, education, gender or sexual orientation. Domestic and family violence can refer to intimate partner abuse or abuse between siblings, parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

  • Online sexual abuse

    Behaviours online can also be considered sexual abuse and can be criminal acts.

    This can include sharing intimate images without consent or threatening to share them without consent, online stalking, and online sexual harassment.

    Find out more about online behaviours which are considered abuse, and how to respond at the eSafety Commission website.

    Not all types of abuse are considered a crime under legislation. However, abuse can still cause harm and people who experience this can still access support services.