All types of rape and sexual assault are serious. The terms rape and ‘sexual assault’ are two different types of offence but Devon & Cornwall SARC can help advise you about both. So what’s the difference?
What is rape?
Rape is when a person intentionally uses their penis to penetrate another person’s body without their agreement. It could be penetration of a vagina, anus or mouth with a penis and could happen to a man, a woman or a child. It takes place without their consent.
What is sexual assault?
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.
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).
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.
Most sexual assaults are carried out by someone known to the victim. This could be a partner, former partner, relative, friend or colleague. The assault can happen anywhere and at any time of day or night.
Sexual violence or assault can happen to anyone of any age; men, women and children. It’s important that anyone affected receives the right advice and support.
Not all sexual assault involves violence or injury and quite often victims of sexual assault will have no visible marks.
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, we can help. You can report the assault to police by calling 999 or 101, or you can contact us directly by calling 0300 303 4626, or by submitting an call back form and we will call you back at a time you specify. You may need time to think about what has happened to you however, 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. After 10 days forensic evidence can no longer usually be gathered, although we can still help you in other ways.