Sexual violence can happen to anyone at any time and most sexual assaults are carried out by someone known to the victim.
Unlike other forms of violence, there are often no visible signs or physical injuries that someone has been sexually assaulted. This does not mean that you cannot report the incident or get help and support. Likewise, even if the assault happened in the past, you can still access support services.
Before we define sexual violence, do you know what consent is?
Consent is only present during sex when all people involved are:
– able to give their agreement freely, without being forced, threatened or manipulated;
– capable of giving consent (not asleep, unconscious or under the influence of drugs or alcohol);
– aware of and understand what they are consenting to.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time if you change your mind and no longer want to take part in any sexual act.
For more information about consent, visit Brook
Sexual violence is the term used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual activity where consent is not freely given. It includes sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
It also includes other acts committed for sexual gratification without the consent of others, such as indecent exposure, voyeurism and sending unwanted nude or pornographic images.
Rape is when someone uses their penis to intentionally penetrate another person’s body without consent. It could be penetration of a vagina, anus or mouth. Anyone can be the victim of rape, but the act can only be committed by someone with a penis.
Rape is defined separately to Sexual Assault by Penetration by the law. This is when an object or another part of the body (not a penis) is used to penetrate a vagina, anus or mouth without consent.
Sexual assault means forcing someone into any sexual act or activity without their consent or agreement.
Sexual assault includes kissing, sexual touching (with or without clothing), rape and sexual assault by penetration. It can also involve forcing someone to watch or take part in a sexual act.
For more information about sexual offences, see the Sexual Offences Act 2003
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can report the assault to police by calling 999 or 101.
All services understand that you may need time to think about what has happened to you. However, you should consider getting medical help as soon as possible, because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic medical examination takes place, the better the outcome.
Call 0300 303 4626 or visit https://sarchelp.co.uk/
If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, Devon and Cornwall SARCs (Sexual Assault Referral Centres) in Truro, Plymouth or Exeter are there to support you. Call 0300 303 4626 or visit https://sarchelp.co.uk/
You can also submit an online referral form (insert link: https://sarchelp.co.uk/get-help/) and they will call you back at a time you specify.
The SARC can take forensic samples up to 7 days and injury check up to 10 days. The SARC website has lots of advice and useful information to help gather evidence that might help.
However, it doesn’t matter how long ago the assault happened, help is available. After this time, we can still help you with sexual health care, counselling, advice and support.
Call 0300 30 30 714 or visit https://www.sexualhealthcornwall.co.uk/
It is always important to look after your sexual health, especially if you have been sexually assaulted or raped. You can visit a confidential and judgement-free clinic or order STI tests and some contraceptives online. Brook can also support you with pregnancy testing and abortion support.
For sexual health advice and information on services and clinics across Cornwall, visit https://www.sexualhealthcornwall.co.uk/. To book an appointment in a clinic, call 0300 30 30 714.
For more info about HIV and PEP, visit https://www.sexualhealthcornwall.co.uk/more-services/prep-and-pep/
If you have been sexually assaulted and think you might have been exposed to HIV, you may be able to take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) which might stop you becoming infected.
To work, PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days), and should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. You can get PEP from Brook sexual health clinics or from A&E, but there are guidelines you must meet to qualify.
