What is sexual violence?

Sexual assault occurs when someone has sexual relations with another person without their consent. Or when someone forces another person to have sex without their consent. This includes unwanted kisses and sex. Sexual violence refers to different forms of sexual violence. An expression used to describe any sexual act or behavior that occurs without consent.

Any assault is a serious crime that can have long-term consequences for victims or survivors. No one deserves or asks for this. 100% responsibility rests with the perpetrator or perpetrator. You may have heard stories of sexual assault on TV shows or in the news. But because it's such a broad term, many people don't know what it means. 

How the law defines sexual violence?

The legal definition of assault in England and Wales is that someone intentionally has sex with another person without their consent.

The Sexual Offenses Act 2003 states that sexual assault is committed when all of the following conditions occur:

1. I intentionally touch others. Touching is sexual.
2. You don't agree to be touched. They do not reasonably believe that the other person agrees.
3. The contact can be with any part of the body or with any other object. maybe:
4. youth.
5. attempted rape. Touching someone's breasts or genitals, including clothing.
6. Touching other parts of the body for sexual or sexual pleasure (such as stroking the thighs or stroking the back). Inviting others for sexual pleasure.
7. Coerce, manipulate or threaten to have sex with the abuser. Touching another person's clothing for sexual or sexual pleasure (eg, pulling another person's skirt).

However, note that this is not an exhaustive list. Just because something isn't included here doesn't mean it isn't sexual abuse. Have sexual relations with someone without permission

It is also illegal under English and Welsh law for someone to intentionally 'cause' sexual intercourse without consent. This could be something like:

• Forcing someone to masturbate or have sex.
• Allows someone to touch or have sex with another person, with or without consent. Someone has sex with another person or the other person has sex with another person with or without consent.
• As you can see, the person committing the crime of 'inducing sexual activity without consent' is not touching the victim or the victim herself here. However, it is a very serious crime with penalties such as rape and sexual assault.
• Tactics a perpetrator may use to 'trick' them into having sex without their consent include physical assault, manipulation, and intimidation.

Related types of sexual violence

There are other forms of sexual violence, including having sex with another person without mutual consent. it includes:

1. rape
2. penetration attack
3. Forms of child sexual abuse, including relationships

They are treated as different offenses under English and Welsh law. However, it is common for people to use the term 'attack' or simply 'attack' to describe any of them. This may be because it is convenient for someone to say 'assault' instead of 'rape.' Or maybe you're not familiar with the legal definitions of these terms. 

In the rape crisis, we have victims and survivors of sexual assault to guide us in working with them. That is, use words that make sense to victims or survivors, as well as legal definitions. 

What is consent?

Giving consent to the person you are having sex with means that you have the freedom and ability to consent and choose according to your will. It is not a contract if you or another person:

1. Asleep, unconscious, drunk, medicated, or 'intoxicated.'
2. It's fear of being pressured, manipulated, misunde,rstood or saying yes. You are too young or vulnerable to have the freedom and opportunity to choose.
3. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, including during intercourse or intercourse. Just because someone agreed in the past doesn't mean they will again.

You should always contact us if you are unsure whether the other person consents to sexual activity. 

Should sexual violence be equated with domestic violence?

A common myth about sexual assault, rape, and other forms of sexual violence and abuse is that it requires physical force or visible harm. But this is not true.

There are many other 'tactics' a person can use to sexually assault someone. e.g:

• pressure
• manipulation
• insult
• persecution
• danger
• Disappointment
• drugs or alcohol

But none of this should yet constitute sexual assault.

Many people are unable to speak or move when faced with a frightening, shocking, or dangerous situation. Just because it happens doesn't mean the person agreed to it.

Without consent, it's always an attack.