Sexual violence
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity that you do not agree to. Examples of sexual violence are sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
If you have experienced sexual violence, whether recently or a long time ago, it is important to remember it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are people and places who can support you, even if you decide not to report it to the police.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, including rape, go somewhere you feel safe, and don’t be afraid to get help. Talk to a friend or family member you trust, or contact one of the support services below.
It’s important to seek specialist medical attention and practical or emotional support as soon as possible, whether you decide to involve the police. Your first point of contact should be a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which has specially trained staff.
Rape, which is penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a penis without consent.
Lying about using a condom or secretly removing or damaging one during sex (often called "stealthing") is classified as rape.
If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, this is rape. It is still rape if that person is your partner or spouse.
Sexual assault is when someone intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner, without that person’s consent (see our page on consent and the law). This can include kissing, touching someone’s genitals, breasts, or bottom – including through clothing – and touching any part of the body in a sexual manner.
Sexual abuse, when someone is forced, pressured, or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity. This can happen within an abusive relationship, where abusers might manipulate their partner into having sex, force sex upon them or to do things during sex that are not wanted.
Female genital mutilation – a procedure carried out on girls and young women/people with a vulva, which involves removing some or all of their external genitals.
Sexual harassment, which is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. This includes sexual comments, jokes or gestures, intrusive staring, intimate image abuse or revenge porn and indecent exposure, such as flashing or sending unwanted nude photos.
Sexual violence can have a very serious impact, not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
You may experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks and feelings of guilt. It can cause nightmares and potentially lead to victims turning to substance misuse of drugs or alcohol or self-harm.
If you have experienced rape or sexual assault, ideally you should contact The Harbour Centre (Norfolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre) as soon as possible for specialist advice and support. They also offer access to emergency contraception (to prevent pregnancy), testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy testing, HIV PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) and vaccinations, is relevant.
Call 999 to report a rape or attempted sexual assault as soon as possible after the crime.
You can also get advice and support from agencies listed in the ‘Who else can help?’ section.
This is when alcohol or drugs are put into your drink without your permission. This can sometimes lead to sexual assault, which you are powerless to prevent.
If you believe you have been sexually assaulted because of spiking, you should contact The Harbour Centre (Norfolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre) as soon as possible for specialist advice and support.
You can also get advice and support from agencies listed in the ‘Who else can help?’ section
If you’re the victim of rape or sexual assault, the police and other organisations are also here to help.
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.
Rape Crisis
iCaSH is an NHS service that provides free, confidential contraception and sexual health services in Norfolk
