Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence is a non-legal term, and can be defined as any form of sexual activity or behaviour that takes place without consent and can be committed by a stranger or someone known to the victim.

There are many forms of sexual violence of which can include:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual harassment
• Trafficking
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Forced Marriage
• Stalking
• Child sexual abuse
• Honour based violence

Rape is when someone forces you to have penetrative sex, or has sex with you without explicit consent. A person uses their penis without consent to penetrate the vagina, mouth, or anus of another person.

Stealthing is when a condom is agreed to be used during sex and then a participant lies about it or removes it without permission or consent.

Sexual assault is when a person is coerced or physically forced to engage in sexual activity against their will, or when a person touches another person sexually without their consent. Touching can be done with any part of the body or with an object (clothed or not). Sexual penetration is when a person penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with any part of their body or an object without that person’s consent.

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault and anyone can commit sexual assault.

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of either violating the other person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. This unwanted sexual conduct can happen in person, on the phone, by text or email, or online. Both the harasser and the victim or survivor can be of any gender.

Sexual harassment includes a really wide range of behaviours, of which some can include:

• Sexual comments
• Sexual gestures
• Leering, staring or suggestive looks
• Unwanted sexual advances or flirting
• Sexual innuendos, comments or jokes
• Sexual messages ‘sexts’ or explicit images
• Unwanted physical contact

Chemsex is a term used to describe sexual activity, mostly between men, while under the influence of drugs. In any situation where drugs or alcohol are present, it can be easy to lose the capacity for consent. If one party is asleep, unconscious or so ‘out of it’ they cannot decide for themselves, then they cannot consent.

There’s no right or wrong way to feel after experiencing sexual crime. Your feelings will depend entirely on you and the situation. Sexual crimes are traumatic experiences that can affect you both physically and emotionally. It is never your fault and you are not alone.

Some of the common reactions people can experience include, but are not limited to:

• Feeling scared or anxious
• Not wanting to go out in public
• Feeling sick or unwell
• Numb or feeling detached from the event
• Difficulty sleeping
• Avoiding places and people you associate with the incident

We know that this can be a really difficult subject to talk about. Reporting is always a choice; we can help support anyone through this and keep you informed of your rights; but the most important thing is finding the support you need. You can contact us whether or not you wish to involve the police and regardless of how long ago it happened.

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing space for forensic examination as well as support. Their services are free of charge and provided to anyone. SARCs have specialist staff that are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next, you do not need to have reported the crime to attend one. Alternatively, you may want to speak with your GP.