Sexual Violence & Sexual Assault

Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence is a broad term used to describe a number of crimes.  It can include, but is not limited to, crimes such as:

• Rape; including rape within a relationship.
• Unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment
• Sexual abuse
• Forced marriage or cohabitation
• Denial of the right to use contraception or to adopt other measures to protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Forced abortion
• Violent acts against the sexual integrity of women, including female genital mutilation and obligatory inspections for virginity
• Forced prostitution and trafficking of people for the purpose of sexual exploitation

Both men and women can be perpetrators of sexual violence.
Both men and women can be victims.
When a perpetrator commits an act of sexual violence on a minor, this is known as child sexual abuse.
Sexual violence is always unacceptable and the responsibility for the crime falls solely with the perpetrator. It is never the victim’s fault.

Sexual Assault

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
• Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape

Reporting a Sexual Assault or Rape

Sexual Assault is a crime whether it happened recently or many years ago.  Whether or not you go to the police should always be your choice.  No one should ever put pressure on you to speak to the police and many people don’t speak to the police for a range of reasons.

But if you are unsure you might want to speak to one of our ISVA’s who can talk you through the process and you can make an informed decision.

Remember – sexual violence is always the fault of the perpetrator

A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is for anyone aged 18 or over who has been raped or sexually assaulted within the last 7 to 10 days. While you are there you will undergo a forensic medical examination; hand over any other evidence such as clothing etc; and complete a witness statement.  There are also Crisis Workers who can offer support and stay with you throughout the process.

You can either report to the police who will bring you to an independent suite or you can self refer to the SARC.  There is also the option to anonymously provide the police with information relating to the incident.