Campaigns and Hubs Sexual assault and consent Sexual assault In this fact sheet you will find detailed information about sexual assault, including help and advice, which may include descriptions and words you find triggering. If you would prefer to skip to further help and support click here. What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is when someone touches a person in a sexual way without consent, or when a person forces or coerces someone to touch them in a sexual way without consent. The term 'sexual assault' is generally used to refer to any form of sexual violence or abuse. Unwanted sexual contact also includes: Kissing Touching Groping or any unwanted intimate contact and attention. If you have not given consent and agreed to the sexual activity, then you have experienced sexual assault. This is not your fault. Sexual assault can happen in LGBTQ+ relationships and communities, and LGBTQ+ people can also experience sexual assault that has been the result of homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and acephobia (someone who is asexual or aromantic). Someone who has been sexually assaulted may have no physical injuries or signs of the assault, however, sexual assault is still a crime and can be reported to the Police in the same way as other crimes. What to do if you have been sexually assaulted If you've been sexually assaulted, it's important to remember that it was not your fault. It is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don't be afraid to get help as there are people dedicated to help you to decide what you want to do next. If it has happened recently: If this is something that has just happened then you may be feeling upset, scared, confused, numb or angry. These are common emotions, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Just remember: this is not your fault. If you feel like you are not in immediate danger, here are some next steps you can follow: Try to get somewhere that feels safe Contact or try to be with someone you trust - A friend, family, chosen family, a loved one, home, even somewhere familiar. Don’t feel like you have to be alone. Talk to someone – This could be someone you trust or a support helpline (see below) If you are in immediate danger or in need of medical attention--call 999. There’s no pressure for you to report the sexual assault to the police, but you may need to think through what happened, perhaps keeping a record of who the perpetrator was, where the assault happened, when the assault happened etc. You may need some of this information in the future should you decide to officially report it. We know this can be difficult, which is why sharing your experience may help ease the burden. Sexual assault and your health If you are a survivor of penetrative sexual assault or rape, you may have to seek sexual health care. You can access PEP at your local A&E or sexual health clinic for exposure to HIV. PEP is emergency HIV medication that prevent someone becoming HIV-positive. You have to start taking PEP within 72 hours of exposure, ideally within the first 24 hours. You may need to access emergency contraception such as the morning after pill. The sooner you use emergency contraception, the more effective it usually is. You can get the emergency morning after pill at: sexual health clinics family planning or contraception clinics GP surgeries NHS walk-in centres Some pharmacies. We would also advise having a full sexual health check-up via your local GUM clinic. You can find your nearest services here. If you are unsure, call the NHS helpline on 111. At a hospital or Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) they may offer you a forensic medical examination. A specially trained nurse or doctor will do the examination and you can ask to see a female or male nurse or doctor. You will be supported throughout the process. They will: Take your medical history Explain the process Make sure you're safe and well Make a record of any injuries Take samples such as swabs which may help with an investigation You can decide whether you want to give evidence but not share it with the police yet. Before a forensic medical exam, try not to: Wash Brush your teeth Change your clothes Use the toilet Eat or drink Smoke Clean or tidy where the assault took place (e.g. if it took place in your home). Before the forensic medical exam, try to: Keep things that you’ve used like condoms, tampons, sanitary towels or tissues. Store them in a clear plastic bag if possible Stand on a towel or newspaper if you decide to change your clothes. This will catch anything that could fall from them, e.g. the perpetrator's hair. If you decide to change clothes, then keep them unwashed in a paper bag If you do need to use the bathroom, try and collect your urine in a clean container Keep other people and pets away from where it happened. Don't panic if you've already done any of these things, or if it's too late to do any of these things. That doesn't mean it's too late to collect forensic evidence. We know this can sound frightening or intimidating but you will be supported throughout and you can request to have a friend or advocate with you throughout the examination process. Remember, you aren’t alone. Sexual assault and the law Sexual assault is a crime and can be reported to the police. If you do report the assault, a specially trained police officer guide you through the process. The Police will investigate the assault and you will be offered a forensic medical examination and will be asked to make a statement about what happened. The police will pass their findings, including the forensic report, to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide whether the case should go to trial. It is recommended to try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault because this may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police (although you can still go to the police even if you have done so). Get further information here. Remember, you don’t have to be touched for a sexual assault to be committed, and you do not have to shout/say ‘stop’. If you are forced, tricked, scared or persuaded into sexual activity without your consent, then this is sexual assault by definition of the law. This makes it a crime. Where can you get help and support? Rape Crisis England & Wales has a 24/7 helpline. You can call the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222. You can also chat to them online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity has a helpline, email and web chat. Helpline: 0800 999 5428 Monday – 9:15am to 8pm Tuesday – 9:15am to 8pm Wednesday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Thursday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Friday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Closed on weekends. Email: [email protected] Webchat: galop.org.uk Monday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Tuesday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Wednesday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Thursday – 9:15am to 4:30pm Friday – Closed Closed on weekends. Loving Me, the organisation that supports trans and non-binary survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, offers a Monday to Friday helpline and email support on 07902 478958 and [email protected] respectively. Male Survivors Partnership has a helpline on 0808 800 5005 and help and resources at malesurvivor.co.uk. Safeline provides free support and counselling for survivors of sexual abuse or rape. They support everyone, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation. You can call them on 01926 402 498. The Survivors Trust offers a helpline on 0808 801 0818 or a text service at 07860 022 956. Monday – Thursday: 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm & 6pm-8pm Friday: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3pm Saturday: 10am – 12.30pm Sunday: 6pm – 8pm Bank holidays: 10am – 12.30pm Survivors UK supports men and non-binary people and offers a text support service on 0786 003 1252. You can also contact them via email at [email protected]. Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) have doctors, nurses and support workers that are trained to offer medical and emotional support for people who have been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. You can find your local centre and book an appointment here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/. Here is a video that may help understand some of the process: You also contact the Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ helpline on 0300 330 0630, 10am-10pm, 365 days a year. The Bridgeway has an LGBTQ+ inclusive support service and you can call them confidentially on 0330 223 0099. Women’s Aid have a web chat support service which can be found at www.womensaid.org.uk. If you want to report the assault, you can call the Police on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency. A helpline will also be able to talk you through the reporting process. If you do report the assault, a specially trained police officer guide you through the process. Useful Links https://rsvporg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Supporting-a-Survivor.pdf https://rsvporg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Male-Survivors-of-Rape-Sexual-Assault.pdf LGBT Foundation - A Guide for trans people affected by SA Manage Cookie Preferences