What is rape & sexual assault?

Sometimes it can be hard to make sense of what has happened. But knowing what the law says about rape and sexual assault may help you to understand.

It may also help you to decide what to do next.

For advice, call the Havens. You can talk to us and we’ll listen. We can offer you help, including treatment and support, and make it easier for you to work out what you want to do.

You don’t have to involve the police if you don’t want to. But if you want police advice, you can call them direct. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to speak to a specialist officer anonymously.

What does the law say?

• Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone – regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.
• Rape is when someone puts their penis into (penetrates) the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent.
• Assault by penetration is when someone puts another part of their body – or an object – into another person’s vagina or anus without that person’s consent.
• Sexual assault is when someone touches another person in a sexual way, without that person’s consent.

Remember: if it isn’t your choice, you haven’t given consent.