Reporting your sexual assault can feel intimidating and overwhelming. To help reduce additional stresses you may be experiencing, we have devised a questionnaire to assess which method of reporting is right for you. Whatever route you choose is valid and we want to help any victim of sexual assault in their recovery journey by signposting them to the best support possible.
Sexual Assault
What is it exactly?
A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a penis), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing or child sexual abuse.
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Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without the victim’s active consent. This means they didn’t agree to it. Active consent also means that the person must be capable of agreeing to sex (not asleep, unconscious or under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
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Sometimes a victim of sexual assault may have no physical injuries or signs of their assault, this doesn’t matter, sexual assault is still a crime and can be reported to the police in the same way as other crimes.
Types of Sexual Offences
Rape
Involves penetration with a penis (ejaculation is not necessary) into the vagina, anus, or mouth. Men and women can both be rape victims. Women cannot commit rape by law, but forcing another to have sex results in offences of equal seriousness.
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Assault by Penetration
Penetration by an object or another body part (e.g., fingers or bottles) without consent into either the vagina or anus. Men and women can be victims and perpetrators of this offence.
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Sexual Assault
Involves non-consensual sexual touching either naked or clothed, e.g., rubbing against someone, groping, kissing, fondling etc. Men and women can be victims of perpetrators of this offence.
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Causing Sexual Activity
A blanket term for when an individual experiences non consensual sexual activity. It may not involve the perpetrator physically interacting with the victim, for example, sending naked images, or coercing masturbation.
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Upskirting
Involves taking pictures under a person’s clothing without their knowledge or consent, to obtain
Abuse of trust offences
Whilst 16-18 year olds are legally allowed to consent to sexual activities, engaging in these activities with people in a position of power in their lives, for example a teacher or coach, is illegal. This is to protect this age group from sexual abuse and remains illegal if the minor instigates and consents to engage.
Grooming
Building an emotional connection with a child to gain trust to sexual abuse, exploit or traffic them (NSPCC). This can occur online, or face-to-face, by strangers or familiar adults in their lives.
Signs of grooming include:
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Being secretive, especially about online activities
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Having older partners
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Meeting friends in unusual places
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Having new clothes or a phone they can’t or won’t explain.
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Having access to drugs and alcohol.
The signs are harder to identify with older children as it may be viewed as ‘teenage’ behaviour. However, noticing unexplained changes in behaviour or personality, or inappropriate sexual behaviour for their age.
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Exposure
Exposing genitals for someone to see and causing alarm/distress.
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Voyeurism
Observing an individual performing a private act which exposes underwear or genitals for obtaining sexual gratification. For instance, watching someone use the bathroom or perform a sex act. This can be in-person or by recording without the individual’s consent. It is also illegal to operate the equipment to allow others to observe the private act, e.g., installing a web-cam in a bathroom stall.
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Non-Consensual Condom Removal
Also known as ‘stealthing, this refers to a situation in which a partner removes or purposely damages a condom during sexual activity without the other person’s clear consent. This means that the partner did not consent to the nature of the sexual activity, making it a sex crime.
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What to do immediately following an offence
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Get somewhere safe. If you are still at risk call the police immediately on 999.
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If you can, phone a friend and ask them to come to you. Alternatively, contact:
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Exeter Student Nightline: available from 8 pm to 8 am during term-time. 01392 724000 or use the live chat feature on their website https://exeter.nightline.ac.uk/.
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Samaritans: available 24 hours a day, 116 123 (national phone number) or 01392 411711 (local office)
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Seek immediate medical attention: try to contact a Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC - 0300 3034626) or go to A & E. They will conduct a forensic medical examination; the sooner this is performed the better. Wherever possible, avoid:
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Washing/changing your clothes.
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Urinating.
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Eating or drinking.
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Smoking.
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Brushing your teeth.
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Throwing away used condoms or bedding (try and keep it in a clean plastic bag).
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This could destroy important forensic evidence that makes it more challenging for the police to prosecute your attacker. Even if you do not wish to report your assault to the police, consider getting medical attention as soon as possible because of the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).