Sexual Abuse

Sexual Violence occurs when an individual or individuals known or unknown coerce you into engaging in activity which is against your will. This includes rape both penetrative and oral, Sexual assault and unwanted touching of the body. Sexual violence occurs in all kinds of circumstances it is most common between people who know one another either as partners, husband and wife, friend’s acquaintances colleagues or relatives. Sexual violence occurs in heterosexual relationships and in lesbian and gay relationships. Sexual violence, sexual violence occurs regardless of social class, religious and cultural differences sexual violence can happen to anyone at anytime sexual violence is always the responsibility of the perpetrator.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 defines sexual violence as

Rape - penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a penis where the victim does not consent to the penetration and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that (s)he consents.

Assault by penetration - penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with an object where the victim does not consent to the penetration and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that (s)he consents.

Sexual assault - Intentional sexual touching where the victim does not consent to the touching and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that (s)he consents.

Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent - The offender does not have to be physically committing the sexual act for them to be guilty of this offence; forcing or helping another is enough.

The British Crime Survey 2004 found that:

• 24% of women and 5% of men have been subject to some form of sexual victimisation on at least one occasion.
• 71% of these women had suffered a serious sexual assault
• 1.5% of men had suffered a serious sexual assault.
• Only 17% of rapes were committed by strangers 54%were committed by husbands or partners and 9% were committed by former partners.
• 18% of lesbian women reported being forced to have sex and
• 22%of gay men reported being forced to have sex.
• More than 80%of people responding to the survey had not made a report to the police.

Commonly held myths about sexual violence

Abusers are not usually “strangers” most people who are victims of sexual crimes know there abuser.

You cannot “ask” to be sexually assaulted you are not responsible for what happens to you if you wear a short skirt or a low cut top.

Agreeing to have a drink, go on a date , meet up after work are not agreements to have sex or to engage in any other sexual activity.

Sexual activity must be consensual both parties must agree before sexual intercourse occurs consent must not be presumed and must be actively sought. If the person whom you have sex with is drunk or under the influence of drugs you must be careful to ensure you have their consent to proceed.

Some useful contact numbers/websites

Local

• Barnsley Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Helpline 01226-298560 (available Tues, Wed and Thurs between 6pm and 8pm.)
• Barnsley GUM clinic 01226 730011
• Victim Support 01226 243761
• The Samaritans 01226 202222

National

• Rape Crisis .org
• NAPAC (The national association for people abused as children)
• The Survivors Trust
• Childline
• Survivors UK (Website and helpline for men who have experienced sexual Violence.)