Sexual violence

Sexual violence is the general term used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity. This can include:

• Rape, which is penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a penis without consent.
• Sexual assault / abuse, which is any act of unwanted sexual contact including rape, online grooming, domestic abuse and sexual exploitation.
• Sexual harassment, which is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature such as sexual comments or jokes, intrusive staring, sexual gestures, sending unwanted sexual messages and revenge porn.
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Both rape and sexual assault are crimes which involve someone being forced into sexual activity without their consent. People often say sexual assault when talking about rape, which can be confusing, but they are seen as different things in the eyes of the law.

Rape is the penetration of the mouth, vagina or anus with a penis without consent. Anyone can be a victim of rape, but it can only be committed by someone with a penis. Penetration (without consent) with an object or another part of the body is called “sexual assault by penetration” and can be committed by anyone.

Other forms of sexual assault can include:

• forcing someone to engage in any sexual activity, including kissing, when they don’t want to
• sexual touching of any part of someone’s body (it makes no difference whether they’re wearing clothes or not) without their consent
• “Stealthing” – the intentional removal or damage of a condom without consent

Sexual assault doesn’t always cause physical injury or leave visible marks. However, it can cause severe distress, emotional harm and injuries which can’t be seen and take a long time to recover from. 

Experiencing sexual violence of any type can have physical, emotional and psychological effects. These can be difficult to deal with, but there are lots of places you can get help and support.

Your sexual health

STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are passed through vaginal, anal and oral (mouth) sexual contact. If you have experienced sexual violence you should arrange to be tested for STIs as soon as possible. This is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.

Pregnancy

If you think you could be pregnant as a result of rape, there are a number of places you can be tested for pregnancy, discuss your options and seek support.

There are different types of emergency contraception you can take to prevent pregnancy, some of these can be taken up to 5 days after the incident.

If you are pregnant and you don’t want to continue the pregnancy you can find out where to seek help here.

Your mental health and emotional wellbeing

There are many emotional and psychological reactions that victims sexual violence can experience. Some common reactions are:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Flashbacks
• Feelings of guilt and blame
• Problems sleeping and having nightmares
• Potentially harmful ways of coping with feelings, such as self-harm or substance misuse

You can find out more about these and many others on Mind’s mental health A-Z , which includes sources of help and support.

Rape Crisis also have a number of tools and resources to help you understand and cope with the effects of sexual violence.

Sometimes sexual violence happens within relationships and can be part of an ongoing pattern of domestic abuse or violence. Find out more about abuse in relationships.

Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Whatever has happened, there are places and people who can support you – you are not on your own.