Legal and Ethical Concepts
A
Abuse of Power
Abuse of power refers to a situation where one person in a position of authority or influence uses their power to exploit, manipulate, or harm another person, often for personal gain or gratification. This can occur in any relationship, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, or professional settings, and can take many forms, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Age of Majority
The age of majority is the legal threshold at which an individual is considered an adult, capable of making their own decisions and entering into contracts. In the context of sexual health and relationships, reaching the age of majority often coincides with the legal age of consent for sexual activity, though these ages can vary by jurisdiction.
Annulment
An annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, effectively treating it as if it never existed. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment is typically granted when there are grounds to believe the marriage was not legally valid from the beginning, such as fraud, inability to consummate, or lack of consent.
B
Bodily Autonomy
Bodily autonomy refers to the right of an individual to have control over their own body, without external influence or coercion. In the context of sexual health and rights, it encompasses the freedom to make decisions about one's own body, including choices related to sexual activity, reproduction, and medical treatments. This concept is fundamental to human rights and personal dignity.
Brothel
A brothel is an establishment where people can engage in sexual activities with sex workers in exchange for payment. These venues, also known as bordellos or houses of prostitution, typically employ multiple sex workers and may offer various sexual services. Brothels can range from small, discreet locations to large, elaborate facilities depending on local laws and cultural norms.
C
Capacity to Consent
Capacity to consent refers to an individual's ability to understand, make, and communicate a voluntary decision about participating in sexual activity. It encompasses both the legal and cognitive aspects of giving consent. This concept is crucial in determining whether sexual activity is consensual and legal.
Carnal Knowledge
Carnal knowledge is a legal and historical term referring to sexual intercourse, particularly the act of a man penetrating a woman's vagina with his penis. The term is often used in legal contexts, especially in older laws and court cases related to sexual offenses. While somewhat outdated, it remains in use in some jurisdictions and legal documents.
Child pornography laws
Child pornography laws are legal statutes designed to criminalize the production, distribution, possession, and viewing of sexual content involving minors. These laws aim to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. In most jurisdictions, child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (typically under 18 years old).
Coercion
Coercion in a sexual context refers to the act of persuading or forcing someone to engage in sexual activities against their will through the use of pressure, threats, manipulation, or force. It involves overriding a person's right to make their own decisions about sexual activity and violates the principle of consent. Coercion can take many forms, from subtle emotional manipulation to outright physical threats.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality refers to the principle of keeping sensitive information private and secure, particularly in the context of sexual health and relationships. It involves the ethical and often legal obligation to protect personal information shared in confidence, ensuring that it is not disclosed to unauthorized parties without explicit permission.
Consent Withdrawal
Consent withdrawal refers to the act of revoking or rescinding previously given sexual consent. It's the right of any individual to change their mind about engaging in sexual activity at any point, even if they initially agreed to it. Consent withdrawal can happen before or during sexual activity and should be respected immediately by all parties involved.
D
Decriminalization
Decriminalization is the process of removing criminal penalties for certain acts, behaviors, or statuses. In the context of sexual health and rights, it often refers to the removal of criminal sanctions for sex work, consensual sexual practices between adults, or possession of certain substances. Decriminalization aims to reduce harm, improve public health outcomes, and protect human rights without necessarily making the activity legal or regulated.
Divorce
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the legal and social contract between spouses. It's a process that formally terminates a marital union, allowing both parties to legally separate their lives and potentially remarry. While not directly related to sexual activity, divorce can significantly impact an individual's sexual and romantic life.
Doctor-Patient Confidentiality
Doctor-patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures the privacy and protection of sensitive information shared between a patient and their healthcare provider. In the context of sexual health, this principle is particularly crucial as it allows patients to discuss intimate details, concerns, and symptoms without fear of judgment or disclosure to third parties.
Domestic Partnership
A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life, but are not married. It's a form of recognized partnership that provides some of the benefits and protections traditionally associated with marriage, particularly for same-sex couples in regions where same-sex marriage wasn't legally recognized.
F
Flashing
Flashing refers to the act of briefly exposing one's genitals, breasts, or buttocks to others in public or semi-public settings, typically without their consent. It's often done for sexual gratification, shock value, or as a form of exhibitionism. While some may view it as a harmless prank, flashing is generally considered a form of sexual harassment and is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Fornication
Fornication is a term primarily used in religious, moral, and legal contexts to describe sexual intercourse between people who are not married to each other. It typically refers to consensual sexual activity between unmarried adults. The term has historical roots in various religious traditions and has been used in legal frameworks, though its usage in modern secular contexts has declined.
FOSTA-SESTA
FOSTA-SESTA refers to two pieces of U.S. legislation: the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA). Enacted in 2018, these laws were designed to combat online sex trafficking by making it easier to prosecute websites that knowingly facilitate or promote prostitution and sex trafficking.
P
Pedophilia
Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children, typically age 13 or younger. It's important to note that pedophilia refers to the attraction itself, not the act of sexually abusing children. Not all individuals with pedophilia act on their urges, and not all child sexual abusers have pedophilia.
Predatory Behavior
Predatory behavior refers to actions or patterns of conduct where an individual exploits, manipulates, or takes advantage of another person for sexual purposes without their consent or by overriding their ability to give informed consent. This behavior is characterized by a power imbalance, where the predator uses various tactics to control, coerce, or deceive their target.
Prenuptial Agreement
A prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a "prenup," is a legal contract entered into by a couple before they get married. This document outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce or separation. While not directly related to sexual activity, prenups can impact the dynamics of a relationship and may address aspects of married life that intersect with sexual health and well-being.
Prostitution Laws
Prostitution laws refer to the legal regulations and statutes governing the practice of exchanging sexual services for money or other forms of compensation. These laws vary widely across different countries and jurisdictions, ranging from full criminalization to legalization and regulation. Prostitution laws typically address various aspects of sex work, including the act of selling sexual services, buying sexual services, operating brothels, and related activities such as solicitation or pimping.
Public Indecency Laws
Public indecency laws are legal regulations that prohibit certain sexual behaviors or states of undress in public spaces. These laws are designed to maintain social order and protect individuals from unwanted exposure to sexual acts or nudity. The specific definitions of public indecency can vary by jurisdiction but often include acts such as public nudity, sexual activity in public, or lewd behavior.
R
Rape Shield Laws
Rape shield laws are legal protections designed to safeguard victims of sexual assault during criminal proceedings. These laws limit the ability of defense attorneys to introduce evidence or cross-examine rape victims about their past sexual behavior or sexual predisposition. The primary purpose is to prevent the defense from using a victim's sexual history to discredit them or suggest that they consented to the assault.
Reproductive Justice
Reproductive justice is a holistic concept that goes beyond the traditional focus on reproductive rights. It's an intersectional approach that combines reproductive rights with social justice, emphasizing the right to have children, not have children, and parent children in safe and healthy environments. This framework acknowledges that reproductive health and rights are influenced by social, political, and economic inequalities.
Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights refer to the legal and ethical entitlements related to reproduction and reproductive health. These rights encompass a broad range of issues, including access to sexual education, contraception, family planning services, and safe abortion care. The concept is rooted in the idea that individuals should have the freedom to decide if, when, and how to have children, free from discrimination, coercion, or violence.
Revenge Porn
Revenge porn refers to the act of sharing or distributing sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent, typically after the end of a relationship. This non-consensual sharing is often done with the intent to humiliate, blackmail, or cause distress to the victim. Despite its name, revenge is not always the motive; it can also be used for extortion, harassment, or other malicious purposes.
Romeo and Juliet Laws
Romeo and Juliet laws are legal provisions designed to protect young people in consensual sexual relationships from being prosecuted for statutory rape when both partners are close in age. These laws typically apply when one partner is below the age of consent but the age difference between the partners is small, usually between 2-5 years.
S
Sex Education Mandates
Sex education mandates are laws or policies that require schools to provide sexual health education to students. These mandates typically specify the content, age groups, and frequency of sex education programs in educational institutions. The goal of such mandates is to ensure that young people receive accurate, age-appropriate information about sexual health, relationships, and related topics.
Sex Offender Registries
Sex offender registries are databases maintained by law enforcement agencies that contain information about individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses. These registries are designed to track the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders and, in many cases, make this information available to the public. The primary purpose of these registries is to enhance public safety by allowing communities to be aware of convicted sex offenders living in their area.
Sexting Laws
Sexting laws refer to legislation and regulations governing the practice of sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital devices, typically via mobile phones or the internet. These laws aim to address issues related to consent, privacy, and the protection of minors in the context of digital sexual communication.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual activity where perpetrators use force, make threats, or take advantage of victims who are unable to give consent. It includes a wide range of actions from unwanted touching to rape. Sexual abuse can occur in various contexts, including within families, relationships, or by strangers, and can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Sexual Assault Hotline
A sexual assault hotline is a confidential telephone service that provides immediate support, information, and resources to individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. These hotlines are typically staffed by trained professionals or volunteers who offer crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance on seeking medical attention, reporting to law enforcement, and accessing counseling services.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. It's a serious crime that violates a person's bodily autonomy and can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on survivors. Sexual assault can include rape, attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, or penetration of the victim's body, also known as rape.
Sexual Autonomy
Sexual autonomy refers to an individual's right and ability to make informed, uncoerced decisions about their own sexual activity and reproductive choices. It encompasses the freedom to choose when, how, and with whom to engage in sexual activities, as well as the right to refuse unwanted sexual advances or practices. Sexual autonomy is a fundamental aspect of human rights and personal dignity.
Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion refers to the act of using pressure, manipulation, or force to make someone engage in unwanted sexual activity. This can include persistent verbal pressure, emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats, or the use of drugs or alcohol to impair a person's judgment. Sexual coercion exists on a spectrum from subtle emotional pressure to outright physical force.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can occur in various settings, including the workplace, educational institutions, and public spaces. Sexual harassment creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment and can have significant psychological and emotional impacts on the victim.
Sexual Self-Determination
Sexual self-determination refers to an individual's right to make autonomous decisions about their own sexual behavior, identity, and experiences. This concept encompasses the freedom to choose sexual partners, engage in consensual sexual activities, and express one's sexuality without undue external influence or coercion. It also includes the right to refuse sexual advances or activities.
Sexuality as a Human Right
Sexuality as a human right refers to the concept that all individuals have the fundamental right to express their sexuality, make autonomous decisions about their sexual lives, and access sexual health services without discrimination. This principle recognizes that sexual rights are an integral part of human rights and are essential for the overall well-being and dignity of every person.
Spousal Privilege
Spousal privilege is a legal concept that protects the confidentiality of communications between married partners. It allows a person to refuse to testify against their spouse in certain legal proceedings, and prevents courts from compelling one spouse to disclose confidential communications made during the marriage. While not directly related to sexual activity, this privilege can have implications for sexual privacy within a marriage.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape refers to sexual activity with a person who is below the legal age of consent, even if they verbally agreed to the act. It's based on the principle that individuals below a certain age are not legally capable of giving informed consent to sexual activities. The specific age of consent varies by jurisdiction but is typically between 16 and 18 years old.
Stealthing
Stealthing is the non-consensual removal or damaging of a condom during sexual intercourse. This act is considered a form of sexual assault as it violates the agreed-upon terms of consensual sex. Stealthing exposes the victim to potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, in heterosexual encounters, unwanted pregnancy.