Rape Facts and Myths

What is rape and sexual assault?

Rape and sexual assault covers a range of offences from sexual touching to penetration which happen without consent.

Rape and sexual assault can happen to women and men of any age or sexuality.

Transsexuals can also be victims.

Marital rape is non-consensual sex between husband and wife and is
also a criminal offence. For further information in relation to domestic
abuse click here.

To view the Sexual Offences Act legislation please visit the Office of Public Sector Information: Sexual Offences Act 2003

Personal reactions

If you are a victim, we understand that you will have a number of mixed emotions and thoughts.

It is very common to have feelings of fear, shock, trauma,
disbelief, depression, self-denial or blame, and feeling dirty or
violated. You may find yourself questioning as to whether there was
something you should or shouldn't have done to prevent the assault, or
that you were responsible in some way. You may not have a clear
recollection of what happened, don't worry.

Some victims, particularly men, often question their own sexuality
and feelings after such an assault. This may be due to the body’s
natural response to certain stimulations and not their attractions. All
these thoughts are very normal for victims to experience.

Trauma affects everyone is different ways, there is no right or wrong way to feel or behave after rape.

Rape and sexual assault, whether by a stranger or an acquaintance, is never your fault.

Mythbusting

Most offences are not carried out by strangers but rather are
committed by a known person. It may be a friend, partner, workmate,
relative, neighbour or person in authority.

Rape is not always accompanied by physical violence. People react
different to sexual assault, some may scream and fight back while others
may become quiet due to shock. If violence is threatened, the decision
may be made not to struggle to prevent harm. Verbal intimidation,
threats or emotional blackmail may be used by the assailant. There may
not be signs of a struggle such as torn clothes afterwards. You do not
need to have physical injuries to prove that the assault has happened
in order to report it to us.

Rape and sexual assault can be about the use of force or power to
humiliate, control, hurt or violate rather than desire or passion. The
appearance of the victim, status, age cultural background, occupation,
previous relationship history are all irrelevant - anyone can be a
victim.