Sexuality Across the Lifespan

The period of rapid physical growth and sexual maturation, typically occurring between ages 13 and 18 or 13 and 20, marked by biological events like menarche and first ejaculation.

The stage of development between childhood and adolescence, usually referred to as the 'tween years', when sexual feelings and behaviors may intensify.

The first experience of partnered genital sex, which can be a wide range of behaviors, but not necessarily coitus (intercourse).

The average age at which American teens experience their first time having sex.

The hormone primarily responsible for triggering sexual development in males.

Comprehensive sex education programs that discuss the risks of sexual activity and how to mitigate those risks, such as contraception, have shown greater success in reducing unintended consequences.

The practice of two people living together in a sexual relationship without being legally married.

The psychological and emotional pressure experienced by the partner who submits to the desires of the dominant partner in a sadomasochistic relationship.

A person who derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on another.

A person who derives sexual pleasure from experiencing pain or humiliation themselves.

The decrease in sexual interest that can occur over time in a relationship, often due to increasing familiarity between the partners.

The age when women typically experience menopause, often around the age of 50, usually marking a decrease in sexual activity.

The crime of marrying someone while still legally married to another person.

A sexual interest in inflicting or receiving pain, humiliation, restraint, or other forms of physical or psychological dominance and submission.

A woman who is paid to inflict pain or humiliation in a BDSM setting.

A strong sexual attraction to specific body parts.

A sexual interest focused on materials like leather, rubber, silk, or fur, rather than the object itself.

A sexual interest in inanimate objects not associated with bodies.

A legal doctrine that previously allowed husbands to have sex with their wives regardless of their consent, now overturned in 1993.

Laws designed to protect rape victims by limiting the introduction of evidence about their past sexual behavior. This helps prevent victim-blaming and protects their privacy.

A psychological condition that can develop after experiencing repeated abuse or trauma where a person feels powerless to escape the situation. Often associated with depression.

A state of emotional and psychological distress that can develop after a traumatic event, such as rape. Characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.

The act of forcing someone to engage in unwanted sexual activity through violence, coercion, or intimidation. It is a serious crime that can have lasting impacts on the victim.

Any form of sexual act done without consent or using force, including touching, penetration, or other harmful behaviors. It's broader than rape as it covers acts without penetration.

An act of sexual penetration, by using force or threat, through the vagina, anus, or mouth. It's a serious crime and is most often committed by men against women.

When a man is forced to engage in penetrative sexual acts against his will. It's a form of sexual violence.

Sexual acts that occur without consent but without force, typically involving individuals where one cannot legally consent due to age or mental incapacity.

Sexual assault that occurs within a social or romantic setting. It can happen even if there's initial consent, but one person continues without the other's approval.

A cluster of recurring physical and emotional symptoms in victims of traumatic events like violence or sexual assault. Symptoms often persist, affecting everyday life.

A therapeutic method for victims of sexual assault. It involves revisiting the traumatic event repeatedly in a safe environment to gradually reduce its emotional impact.

Samples collected from the victim's body or clothing after a sexual assault, used to identify the perpetrator.

When a child witnesses domestic violence, they are directly exposed to the violence and may be at risk of being assaulted themselves. This exposure can severely impact their social development and increase the likelihood of them engaging in violent behaviors later in life.

This phase involves escalating tension, with the abuser becoming increasingly irritable, moody, and prone to making threats and minor assaults. The victim often tries to appease the abuser to prevent the situation from worsening.

The shortest phase of the cycle where the actual physical violence occurs. It can be triggered by various factors, including alcohol consumption. During this phase, the victim attempts to protect themselves or flee the situation.

The perpetrator apologizes, expresses love, and promises to change their behavior. They may shower the victim with gifts or attention to win them back, creating a false sense of hope for a positive change.

This cycle repeats itself, and the intensity of violence often increases over time. The victim may be trapped in a cycle of hope and fear, making it difficult to escape the abusive relationship.